Discovering the Foundations of the Universe

A vibrant research centre connecting astroparticle physics, gravitational physics and cosmology

Explore GRAPPA

Themes

Study the foundations of the Universe

What makes the Universe tick? The GRAPPA master program focuses on particle physics, astroparticle physics and cosmology at the intersection of theory, experiments and observation. It includes a full year MSc project working on real research supervised by world-leading faculty.

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Pushing the frontiers of knowledge about the Universe at its extremes

Research at GRAPPA aims at a better understanding of natural phenomena at the very smallest, very largest and most energetic extremes. To this end, we bring together gravitational waves, string theory, dark matter searches, high energy astrophysics and cosmology, and stimulate cross-fertilization of the different research directions.

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An actively connected research community

Through colloquia, journal clubs, discussion groups and international visitor programs, we stimulate new interactions between GRAPPA researchers and with the international community.

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Testimonial

Rasa Muller

Even though I didn’t plan to ever do a PhD, I got so addicted to the excitement of working on the edge of our knowledge and understanding during my master’s that I’m currently doing a PhD in neutrino physics with the KM3NeT experiment at the Nikhef institute. I’m researching how these smallest particles can teach us something about the biggest things we know of: the universe!

Rasa Muller

PhD Student
Dimitris Kantzas

Ever since I joined GRAPPA I have been constantly surrounded by people who want to promote science to youngsters, and the whole society as well. I therefore always have the chance to learn cutting-edge science from lots of world-leading researchers in my field—enabling me to evolve as a scientist and also to participate in large international collaborations. GRAPPA is an excellent working environment to conduct state-of-the-art research with amazing colleagues!

Dimitris Kantzas

PhD Student
Jordan Seneca

The MSc GRAPPA program is a dive into the world of high energy physics. During the first year, as a student, learning from a diverse array of courses, and the second year, as a physicist, getting hands-on experience in a physics working group. With close ties to CERN, LIGO/Virgo, the LNGS, and many other groups around the world, GRAPPA is a launching pad for independent, motivated, and ambitious students.

Jordan Seneca

PhD Student
Bouke Jisse Jung

To anyone wondering whether the GRAPPA programme is the right choice for them, I would like to say: ’If you are interested in the state-of-the-art developments in particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics and if you want to learn which (mix) of these three fields fascinates you the most, then this programme provides all the expertise and flexibility for you to do so!

Bouke Jisse Jung

PhD Student
Ariane Dekker

In GRAPPA you will feel like you’re diving into an international atmosphere surrounded by fascinating courses and seminars, which are on the edge of current knowledge. You will explore the exciting interface between theoretical and experimental research. Just let your curiosity guide you.

Ariane Dekker

PhD Student
Rasa Muller

Even though I didn’t plan to ever do a PhD, I got so addicted to the excitement of working on the edge of our knowledge and understanding during my master’s that I’m currently doing a PhD in neutrino physics with the KM3NeT experiment at the Nikhef institute. I’m researching how these smallest particles can teach us something about the biggest things we know of: the universe!

Rasa Muller

PhD Student
Dimitris Kantzas

Ever since I joined GRAPPA I have been constantly surrounded by people who want to promote science to youngsters, and the whole society as well. I therefore always have the chance to learn cutting-edge science from lots of world-leading researchers in my field—enabling me to evolve as a scientist and also to participate in large international collaborations. GRAPPA is an excellent working environment to conduct state-of-the-art research with amazing colleagues!

Dimitris Kantzas

PhD Student

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