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About IGWN

The International Gravitational-Wave Observatory Network (IGWN) is envisioned as a self-governing consortium using gravitational-wave (GW) interferometric detectors to explore the fundamental physics of gravity and observe the universe. It aims to advance the frontiers of GW astronomy, astrophysics, and fundamental physics through the development, commissioning, and operation of the IGWN ground-based interferometric gravitational-wave detectors; through the development and deployment of techniques for gravitational-wave observation; and through interpretation of gravitational-wave data.

Once fully established, IGWN will comprise the existing large-scale ground-based gravitational-wave observatories and the worldwide consortium that carries out its scientific mission. IGWN will build upon the success of the current generation of GW collaborations – the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), the Virgo Collaboration (VC), and the KAGRA Collaboration (KC) – evolving them into a single unified global consortium that executes its scientific program in a coordinated and efficient fashion.

Members of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration - the IGWN Design Committee - started developing a Charter and Bylaws for IGWN in early 2024. Those draft documents envision an IGWN Board that provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing IGWN's program of activities to achieve its goals and future plans. The Inaugural IGWN Board (IIB) was established in January 2025 as the first step in the formation of IGWN. The IIB has its members:

  • The European Gravitational-wave Observatory (EGO) Director
  • The KAGRA Principal Investigator
  • The LIGO Laboratory Executive Director
  • The Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson of the Virgo Collaboration
  • The Spokesperson of the KAGRA Collaboration and the KAGRA Observatory Director
  • The Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson of the LSC

The IIB anticipates the release of the initial IGWN Charter, Bylaws and Program in October 2025. The IIB will invite existing LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA groups to join IGWN in early 2026. Other elements of IGWN will then be established with the intention of IGWN being fully operational in early 2027. Applications from other groups will be considered after this date.