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Xjenza Malta-TÜBİTAK BridgingCosmology Project: Visits by the Ambassador of Türkiye and the Ambassador of Malta in Türkiye

The Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy (ISSA) at the University of Malta (½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ) is exploring the evolution of the Universe and the nature of dark energy through a joint project between ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ and Istanbul Technical University, which is funded by Xjenza Malta and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBÄ°TAK). 

The project, entitled “BridgingCosmology - Bridging early and late cosmological survey samples using machine learning”  has as its principal investigators Prof. Jackson Said (Malta) and. 

At ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, the team also includes postdoctoral researchers Dr Konstantinos Dialektopoulos and Dr Rebecca Briffa, while at Istanbul Technical University, , and form part of the project research team.

The project aims to utilise the increasingly applicable range of machine learning toolkits in order to boost the level of data extraction from observational measurements obtained through recent observational surveys from the James Webb Space Telescope and other observatories. 

The main goal of the project is to address the disharmony between predictions and observational data from the early and local Universe, and the possibility of new physics in these same observations.

The BridgingCosmology project has produced several works indicating the potential of transitions in cosmological parameters, showing how new physics may play a key role in the alleviation of the disharmony in cosmological predictions, as well as a proof of principle of how machine learning methods may advance complex open questions in cosmology.

ISSA was extremely honoured to welcome for a tour to the ISSA research facilities, and the Electromagnetics Research Group (EMRG). This included presentations by BridgingCosmology researchers and a constructive discussion on possible future strengthening of the collaboration between both countries.

Considerable input was also given by Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer Prof. Ing. Simon Fabri and representatives from Xjenza Malta, namely (Director of Internationalisation Unit), (Executive in Internationalisation Unit) and (Executive in Space Programmes and Outreach). The visit by H.E. Ambassador KayaoÄŸlu has contributed to the strengthening of both partner universities and potential future collaborations and research opportunities.

At the same time, , Ambassador of Malta to Türkiye  was also welcomed at Istanbul Technical University by the BridgingCosmology research team. The Cosmology Research Group in Istanbul was very honoured to receive H.E. Ambassador Dr Farrugia and to showcase the local research facilities and project outputs. Both visits contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen the Xjenza Malta - TÜBÄ°TAK bilateral research programme. 

The BridgingCosmology project is financed through the Xjenza Malta-TÜBÄ°TAK 2024 Joint Programme. 

For further information, please contact the principal investigator Prof. Jackson Levi Said, Institute for Space Sciences and Astronomy, University of Malta.