NEUTRONSTARS is the first astrophysics-themed Centre of Excellence, with five research groups from the Universities of Helsinki, Turku and Jyväskylä studying neutron stars from all perspectives.
The kick-off meeting offered a great opportunity for the researchers to meet both old and new colleagues as well as share research results and plans across different aspects of neutron star physics.
Beyond facilitating introductions among the research group, presenting the themes of the Centre of Excellence and hosting a seminar by one of the participants, the kick-off meeting provided an opportunity to brainstorm and discuss matters related to the legacy and impact of the centre both within and outside the scientific community.
The first scientific advisory board meeting of the Centre of Excellence was also held this week. This gave the board members the chance to participate in the kick-off activities, meet members of the Centre of Excellence, and offer their insights into the research directions of the centre.
Aside from the scientific programme, the participants also enjoyed a dinner together in Restaurant Shelter, with some continuing discussions afterwards amidst a game of pool.
As the week of kick-off activities drew to a close, plans were already being put in place for the next gathering of the CoE, tentatively scheduled in the Spring period of the following year, this time somewhere much chillier than the sunny Helsinki of early spring.
Stay tuned to find out how our research progresses and where we are headed next!