Gravity theory and gravitational wave phenomenology

Black holes are at the same time the simplest and the most mysterious objects in the Universe. Our group studies gravity in its strongest regime, where spacetime curvature is extreme, to address open questions at the interface between general relativity, high-energy physics and astrophysics.

We work on the theory of black holes and compact objects: their perturbations, quasinormal modes, tidal response and stability; the nature of horizons and singularities and their possible microscopic structure, from string-theory microstates to exotic compact objects; and extensions of general relativity and of the Standard Model, including new light fields and dark matter around compact objects.

Gravitational-wave observations with current and future detectors are one of our key tools to turn these questions into testable predictions.

We are active members of the Einstein Telescope Collaboration, of the LISA Consortium, and of the INFN Specific Initiative TEONGRAV - Gravitational Wave Sources.

The group is supported by:

• FIS2 Advanced grant ET-NOW by the Ministry of Research (2025-2028)
• MSCA Staff Exchanges grant STRONG by the European Commission
• John Templeton Foundation grant MICROBH

The above picture of the locomotive is courtesy of Gianni Battimelli [Cementerio de Trenes, Uyuni (Bolivia), 1999].