Project Grant 2608019

The National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences awarded the University of Arizona $655,095 on August 15, 2026, to conduct collaborative research preparing for Cosmic Explorer site selection under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049).

The project will evaluate potential sites for Cosmic Explorer, the United States' next-generation gravitational-wave observatory that will scale LIGO technology from 4 km to 40 km detector arm lengths. The University of Arizona will narrow candidate locations from a national long list of 40 sites to a vetted short list of 6, producing a detailed report to support NSF's site selection process. This work bridges the gap between national-level site criteria already established through prior collaborative NSF funding and local, site-specific evaluation necessary for final selection. The project will assess promising locations based on their ability to achieve Cosmic Explorer's science goals, meet cost boundaries, attract and retain workforce, and support synergistic operations.

The award runs through July 31, 2028, with place of performance in Tucson, Arizona. The project will involve students and postdoctoral associates in multidisciplinary research, developing workforce capacity in gravitational-wave science and related STEM fields. The University of Arizona operates as the Arizona Board of Regents for financial and administrative purposes.