Einstein Lecture Series: Exploring the Universe with Gravitational Waves

On 7th November 2025, PES University, in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), hosted an inspiring session under the Einstein Lecture Series. The event took place at Auditorium 1B, RR Campus, drawing an audience of over 420 participants, including students, faculty, and guests.

The Highlight
The lecture was delivered by Professor Scott A. Hughes from MIT, a leading expert in gravitational wave research. His talk provided a fascinating deep dive into black holes, strong-field gravity, and the groundbreaking work of LIGO. Professor Hughes’ ability to simplify complex concepts and connect them to real-world discoveries kept the audience engaged throughout.

Event Flow

• Warm welcome and campus tour for the guest speaker
• Lecture on gravitational waves and LIGO
• Live streaming on ICTS’s official YouTube channel
• Interactive Q&A session with thought-provoking questions from students and faculty
• High tea networking with the speaker and invited guests

Behind the Scenes
The event was meticulously organized by Team QForest, with support from Team FYI (magazine club) and Team PIXELS (photography club). Despite a minor venue change, the team ensured smooth execution, earning appreciation from Professor Hughes for their professionalism and hospitality.

Budget Snapshot

• Stage & Infrastructure: ₹2,859
• Food & Refreshments: ₹303
• Creatives: ₹800
• Hospitality: ₹4,925.23
• Total: ₹8,887.23

Impact
This collaboration between PES University and ICTS reinforced the institution’s commitment to promoting scientific curiosity and academic excellence. The lecture not only inspired students but also strengthened PESU’s position as a hub for cutting-edge research and intellectual engagement.