Maastricht Gravitational Inspiration Curriculum (MaGIC)

Stefan Hild is full professor of gravitational physics at Maastricht University, and is a world-leading expert in gravitational wave detection techniques. He leads the construction of ETpathfinder, a European R&D facility that develops much of the instrumentation for the Einstein Telescope. Within the MaGIC programme, Stefan will present an introduction to the ETpathfinder and how it overcomes the challenges to make precise gravitational wave measurements possible.

Kelly Foyle is an Outreach Scientist at Perimeter Institute who is passionate about making physics accessible and engaging for students and teachers. She earned her PhD in astrophysics from Heidelberg University in Germany before completing a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University, where she studied galaxies and star formation. Since joining Perimeter Institute in 2014, Kelly has co-authored a wide range of educational resources and has led workshops for thousands of teachers and students across Canada and around the world.

Emma Prins is a PhD candidate at Maastricht University and Nikhef, with a BSc and MSc in Physics and Astronomy and an additional major in Science Communication. Before starting her PhD research, she worked as coordinator of the Einstein Telescope Education Centre, in parallel to doing research at Nikhef. Her current research focuses on radiative cooling techniques for the ETpathfinder, as well as the effectiveness of gravitational-wave themed educational initiatives. In the MaGIC programme, she will host the practical workshops.

Annabel Wolf is a science communicator with a background in physics and astronomy. Holding a BSc and MSc in Science for Energy and Sustainability, she brings experience from roles such as content lead at the Einstein Telescope Education Centre and presenter at NOVA’s planetarium. Her work bridges science, creativity, and public engagement. In the MaGIC programme, she will host the practical workshops.

Brecht Slootmaekers is a PhD candidate at Maastricht University and Nikhef. He is a trained astrophysicist, having completed his MSc in Astrophysics as a dual degree at the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with a particular focus on gravity. His research centres around gravitational wave source modelling, with a specific interest in the fundamental theory of gravity and binary star system evolution. In the MaGIC programme, Brecht serves as overall scientific explainer.

Gideon Koekoek is associate professor at Maastricht University. He is an expert in the field of Einstein's theory of relativity and gravitational waves, and coordinates regional, national, and international educational projects, including for the Einstein Telescope Education Centre and the Dutch Black Hole Consortium, and is a well-known lecturer and science communicator at all levels. In the MaGIC programme, Gideon serves as overall coordinator and will provide the lectures on General Relativity.

Dr. Donna Carroll has worked as a lecturer in physics and mathematics in both the UK and the Netherlands, with a teaching focus on electronic (solid-state) engineering, experimental physics, and mathematics for the natural sciences. Since 2018, she has led the professional development initiatives for academic staff at Maastricht University, where she also delivers a wide range of training sessions designed to help teaching staff to enhance the student learning experience. In the MaGIC programme, Donna will lead the workshop on teaching styles and didactics.