Top European research award for pioneering consortium
16 December 2025
An international team of astronomers, physicists, and cosmologists who helped uncover the building blocks of human existence has been awarded the Danish Government’s Into Change Award for 2025.
The award recognises the work of the ENGRAVE consortium, who pioneered a new era of multi-messenger astronomy, where gravitational waves and light together reveal the deepest secrets of the cosmos.
Their scholarship has made it possible for humanity to trace the origins of the universe’s heaviest elements, forged in the aftermath of neutron star mergers.
Such work, which has pushed the limits of understanding on physics and demonstrated how scientists can work together across borders and disciplines, is a model example of modern scientific collaboration the judges noted.
Dr Cosimo Inserra, a Reader in Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy and ENGRAVE Consortium member, said: “This award recognises the accomplishments of the whole consortium, which consists of hundreds of scientists.”
I feel really proud to be part of something that has been considered a model of scientific and collaborative excellence in this way. Together we have showcased great virtues of teamwork, open data and open science, as well as promoting young researchers and curiosity-driven research. I can’t wait to see what’s next for ENGRAVE!
Associate Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity - College of Physical Sciences and Engineering
The Into Change Award honours outstanding European research groups whose work drives scientific breakthroughs, benefits society, and reflects core values like curiosity, collaboration, and openness.
In 2025, the total award amount is DKK 8,000,000. Each named member of the winning research group receives an honorary award of DKK 100,000, while the remaining funds are awarded as a framework grant for distribution between group members.
Professor Haley Gomez, Head of Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy, said: “I want to extend my congratulations to the members of the ENGRAVE Consortium and to Cosimo on receiving this prestigious award.”
Their work since 2017, when they showed heavy elements like gold, platinum and uranium were formed in huge amounts during the merger of two neutron stars (GW170817) was transformative for our field. They achieved this through an extraordinary international effort, which united a network of researchers and observatories across 13 European countries, demonstrating that – when we work together, amazing things happen.
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Dr Cosimo Inserra
Reader
Associate Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity - College of Physical Sciences and Engineering
