Flanders should put full efforts into the Einstein telescope
The construction of the underground Einstein telescope is an ambitious scientific project. And only Italy’s Sardinia and the Meuse-Rhine Euregio, the border region of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, are still in the running for the construction of the research center. By 2026, Europe would decide where to build the telescope. Minister Brouns wants Flanders to fully commit to this. After an earlier boost of 6 million euro, another 2 million will be added. "Flanders must dare to be ambitious," he says to the VRT. "You really shouldn't pass by the opportunity to build a world-renowned scientific infrastructure in your backyard. We cannot yet imagine the discoveries that the Einstein telescope will bring about in the next century. This is a train that only stops once." In parliament, he pointed out the opportunities that the Einstein Telescope can offer Flanders. "It is a complex case, but with enormous strategic potential for Flanders. I am also pleased that a scientific research infrastructure can receive the necessary attention here," says Brouns. The 6 million euro that the FWO is investing in the Flemish scientific Einstein Consortium, consisting of five universities, should enable Flemish researchers to play a much more active role internationally. A final decision on the location of the new research infrastructure will soon have to be made at European level.