Why this region?

The Einstein Telescope has set high standards for its location. Stable ground with minimal disturbance from the surrounding area. But also a network of supportive scientific partners, companies able to supply the most advanced technology and a pleasant, accessible environment to live and work in. The Euregio Meuse-Rhine, where Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet, is where all these factors come together.

Calm and stability

The type of ground in which the Einstein Telescope is built will help determine its accuracy. The less it vibrates, the less that will disrupt the measuring equipment. The hard bedrock in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, combined with a damping surface layer, would make an excellent substructure for the telescope. Moreover, there are few railway lines, heavy industrial plants and wind turbines in the area. Its tranquillity, plus the certainty that this environment will be protected, only adds to its suitability. The underground equipment can be monitored and controlled remotely from the existing scientific institutes and campuses nearby.

High-tech knowledge

The Euregio Meuse-Rhine is at the heart of a European top technology region. It is close to numerous universities – Dutch, Belgian and German – and has a concentration of high-tech companies with expertise in the necessary precision technology. Nikhef, the co-ordinating Dutch research institute, specializes in the development of advanced instrumentation and data analysis. This network of scientific institutions and technology experts enhances the region’s appeal as a location.

Great amenities

The region also boasts excellent facilities, including local and international schools, colleges and universities, as well as bustling cities close to nature. There is a rich variety of cultural and leisure options, too, making the area especially attractive as a place to live and work. And it is easily accessible by road, rail, water and air, with eight international airports within an hour’s travelling time. These excellent connections can only benefit the efficiency of the logistical processes required during construction of the Einstein Telescope.