Kavli Institute for Cosmology facts for kids
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| Established | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Director | Roberto Maiolino |
| Faculty | School of Physical Sciences, University of Cambridge |
| Staff | 48 |
| Location | |
| Address | Madingley Road |
| Website | www.kicc.cam.ac.uk |
The Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge (KICC) is a special science center. It was created by the University of Cambridge and the Kavli Foundation. Scientists from two astronomy groups at the University work here: the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) and the Cavendish Astrophysics Group.
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About the Kavli Institute
In 2006, the University of Cambridge and the Kavli Foundation agreed to create a new institute. This institute would focus on cosmology, which is the study of the universe. The Kavli Foundation agreed to support scientists working there. The University promised to build a special home for the institute.
The KICC started its work in October 2008. The first scientists, called Kavli Institute Fellows, began their research. The main building was finished in July 2009. It was officially opened on November 18, 2009. Prince Philip, who was the Chancellor of the University, attended the opening with Fred Kavli.
Today, the director of the Institute is Roberto Maiolino. Anthony Challinor is the deputy director. The very first director was George Efstathiou.
What Do KICC Scientists Study?
Scientists at KICC are involved in many exciting projects. They use huge telescopes and advanced computer models. Their goal is to understand how the universe began and how it works. They study things like dark energy, galaxies, and the earliest moments of the universe.
Major Research Projects
Here are some of the big projects KICC researchers help with:
- Atacama Large Millimeter Array: A powerful radio telescope in Chile.
- Dark Energy Survey: Mapping millions of galaxies to understand dark energy.
- Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument: Studying the expansion of the universe.
- Extremely Large Telescope: A massive new telescope being built in Chile.
- Illustris project: Creating huge computer simulations of the universe.
- James Webb Space Telescope: Looking at the first stars and galaxies.
- KLEVER: A project using a special camera to study distant galaxies.
- Large Synoptic Survey Telescope: A telescope that will map the entire night sky.
- MaNGA sky survey: Mapping the insides of thousands of galaxies.
- MOONS galaxy survey: Studying how galaxies grow and change.
- Planck cosmological survey: Mapping the oldest light in the universe.
- Square Kilometre Array: The world's largest radio telescope, currently being built.
- Simons Observatory: A new telescope in Chile studying the early universe.
The Kavli Building
The Kavli Building is where the KICC scientists work. It is right next to the Hoyle Building, which is the main building for the Institute of Astronomy. A raised walkway connects the two buildings. This design helps scientists from both buildings meet and share ideas.
The building was designed by Annand and Mustoe. It looks similar to the Hoyle Building but also has its own unique style. The architects made sure the building was energy-efficient. It uses ground source heat pumps and a heat exchanger. This helps meet local rules that require buildings to generate some of their own energy.
