News from the ET Collaboration
29.07.2026
The ET Collaboration is implementing several organizational developments to support its continued growth. Key initiatives include the introduction of Core and Community membership, new coordination structures for AI, multi-messenger science, and R&D, as well as updated governance documents. Together, these changes will strengthen coordination, recognize contributions, and prepare the Collaboration for the next phase of the Einstein Telescope.
As the ET Collaboration continues to grow, structures and processes to better support ET´s scientific goals are being adapted. Following an evaluation of the current organisation, several important changes are now being implemented.
As the Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson stated in their presentation at the recent Monthly Meeting, the guiding principles are to:
- increase the efficiency of the Collaboration,
- strengthen coordination in key areas,
- recognize and reward contributions to the Collaboration, particularly those of Early Career Researchers.
These changes reflect the recognition that realising the Einstein Telescope requires many years of sustained effort by a large, highly motivated, skilled, and well-organised international community, together with the continuous training of future generations. Building ET is not only a matter of funding—it also depends on an effective and collaborative organisation.
Core and Community Membership
The ET Collaboration has experienced remarkable growth over the past years. Following this initial inclusive phase, now a membership structure is being implemented that better recognises and encourages individual engagement while maintaining a broad and active community.
The revised ET Bylaws, approved by the Collaboration Board, introduce two membership categories: Core Members and Community Members. This new structure has been presented and discussed across the Collaboration over recent months. Additional background is available in the presentation from the July Monthly Meeting.
During the summer, the spokespersons and their team will update the ET Member Database (ETMD) in preparation for the transition.
The current timeline is:
- Next month: Existing pledges in the ETMD will be archived, FTE allocations reset, and activities updated.
- October 2026: The ETMD will open for a one-month pledging period. Members wishing to become Core Members will register as such, pledge their activities for the period 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027, and declare the corresponding FTEs. Community Members will not be required to pledge activities or FTEs.
The rights and responsibilities of both membership categories are described in Section 5.1 of the July 2026 version of the ET Bylaws. Further information and detailed instructions will be provided before the transition begins.
AI for ET
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are becoming increasingly important across many areas of ET research. To strengthen coordination of AI/ML activities across the Collaboration, the Executive Board and the Collaboration Board have approved a new transversal AI for ET structure, coordinated by G. Inguglia and T. Andrić. Activities are now starting, and all interested members are encouraged to participate.
Multi-messenger and Multi-band Coordination
Maximising the scientific return of ET requires close coordination with electromagnetic and gravitational-wave observatories. While the relevant ET Boards coordinate the scientific and technical aspects of these activities, strategic and institutional coordination is equally important. The Executive Board and the Collaboration Board have therefore approved a new Multi-messenger and Multi-band Coordinator role, which will be led by M. Branchesi.
ET R&D Coordinator
Coordinating ET R&D activities is essential to ensure that key technologies reach the required Technology Readiness Levels, while making efficient use of resources and fostering innovation. The mandate for a dedicated ET R&D Coordinator has been approved by both the Executive Board and the Collaboration Board. A call for nominations and self-nominations is currently open.
Governance and Policy Updates
Several additional governance documents have recently been completed:
- Speaker and Award Committee: The mandate has been finalized and approved by both the Executive Board and the Collaboration Board (ET-0008A-25).
- Publication Policy: The Editorial Committee has finalized the revised policy. It has been approved by the Executive Board and reviewed by the Collaboration Board, where only minor modifications were requested (ET-0227B-26).