Event Recap: “Hearing the Universe Using Particle Physics” with Julio Parra-Martinez

On Monday, March 16, 2026, Winton Group in London hosted an exceptional scientific evening co-organized by IHES Trust UK and IHES, with support from the DCH Foundation. The event spotlighted Julio Parra-Martinez, Permanent Professor of Physics at IHES and recipient of an ERC Starting Grant, in recognition of his groundbreaking work on understanding gravitational wave signals.

Guests were immersed in the fascinating world of particle physics applied to astrophysics. Julio Parra-Martinez presented his research on extreme gravitational waves, explaining how we can now effectively “listen” to the universe through signals emitted by merging neutron stars and black holes—revealing the curvature of spacetime itself.

The talk was followed by an engaging interactive discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with the researcher about the challenges and future directions of this multidisciplinary approach. The evening also highlighted the vital role of philanthropy in advancing fundamental research.

Overall, the event demonstrated the tangible impact of cutting-edge science on our understanding of the universe and brought together the IHES and IHES Trust UK supporter community in London.