Event details

Date
July 13, 2026  – July 17, 2026
Location
Sexten Primary School - Via Panorama 6, Sexten

Scientific Rationale

Background and Rationale

The growth of SMBHs occurs primarily via two channels: accretion and coalescence (mergers). Despite significant advances in observational techniques and theoretical models, several key questions remain unresolved:

  • Merger Rates and Gravitational Waves: What are the rates of SMBH mergers, and how do they connect with gravitational wave detections and predictions from pulsar timing arrays and upcoming observatories such as LISA?
  • SMBH Growth at Cosmic Noon: How does the peak period of black hole growth (cosmic noon) depend on the normalized accretion rate? Understanding this dependency is critical for linking the evolution of SMBHs with that of their host galaxies.
  • Complete Accretion History: What is the full accretion history of SMBHs, particularly when accounting for the obscured quasar population at high luminosity and high redshift

Objectives

The workshop is structured around three direct objectives:

  1. Merger Rates and Gravitational Waves:
    • Understand the merger rates of SMBHs.
    • Connect these rates with gravitational wave detections and predictions.
    • Explore the implications of dual AGN searches for the gravitational wave background.
  2. SMBH Growth at Cosmic Noon:
    • Investigate the growth of SMBHs during the peak period of black hole activity.
    • Examine the dependence on normalized accretion rates.
    • Derive and compare the Eddington Ratio Distribution Function (ERDF) at cosmic noon with that of the present day.
  3. Mapping the Complete Accretion History:
    • Assess the total accretion power in the Universe.
    • Identify and characterize the missing population of obscured quasars at high luminosity and high redshift.
    • Develop strategies to disentangle stellar and accretion radiation using multiwavelength data.

This workshop offers a timely opportunity to confront some of the most challenging questions in SMBH research. By focusing on merger rates, growth at cosmic noon, and the complete accretion history of SMBHs, we aim to bridge observational data with theoretical models, while leveraging advanced AI tools to maximize scientific return. The intimate setting in Sexten and the focused attendance will foster a collaborative environment where innovative ideas and strategic initiatives can flourish.

Organizers

Nico Cappelluti

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Payment details

Registration Fee
FEE: 300,00 Senior, 200,00 Studenti
Workshop code for bus and payment
DGC26