The observations of gravitational waves have opened an unprecedented window to the Universe. The European Space Agency's LISA satellite mission represents the next generation in gravitational wave observatories, with a planned launch in 2034. LISA is sensitive enough to have the potential to observe gravitational waves generated in the very early Universe, giving us a direct view to hitherto impossible to observe physical processes. Our research group at the University of Helsinki is in an unique position to make detailed theoretical and numerical studies of the physical processes causing gravitational waves. These phenomenological studies are necessary in order to make quantitative predictions for LISA observations. An observation of gravitational waves of cosmological origin would be truly revolutionary: a direct signal of physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.

2024

2027