The group's research on strong gravity involves finding analytical and numerical solutions of Einstein's theory of general relativity, and many of its extensions, either in vacuum or coupled to various types of matter. For our latest developments/activities in this area, please see the listing at the end of this article.
The prime examples of (relativistic) strong gravitational systems are Black Holes. They are truly unifying objects of all physics. The understanding of their formation and dynamics requires the laws of all four fundamental forces, and their physics is relevant not only for astrophysics and cosmology but for a variety of topics within high energy physics.
See here a movie made by the COST action `Black holes in a violent universe', in which our group participates, for a visual overview of different types of black holes.
Phase Structure of Scalarized Black Holes in Einstein-Scalar-Gauss-Bonnet Gravity, C. Herdeiro, H. Huang, J. Kunz, M. Lai, E. Radu, D. Zou; arXiv:2603.24164 [gr-qc].
The imitation game (r)evolutions: Q-star effective shadow from GRMHD analysis, V. Jaramillo, L. Meneses, H. R. Olivares Sánchez, C. Herdeiro, D. Núñez, Shuang-Yong Zhou; arXiv:2603.16995 [gr-qc]
The two shadows of a single black hole: Vacuum birefringence phenomena within Einstein-Nonlinear-Electrodynamics, M. A. A. de Paula, H. C. D. Lima, P. V. P. Cunha, C. A. R. Herdeiro, L. C. B. Crispino; arXiv:2603.17007 [gr-qc]
Gravitational waves from warm inflation in the weak dissipative regime, O. Luongo, T. Mengoni, P. M. Sá; arXiv:2603.07662 [gr-qc]
Photon rings and shadows of Kerr black holes immersed in a swirling universe, R. Capobianco, B. Hartmann, J. Kunz, N. Vas, J. Novo; Phys. Rev. D 113 (2026) 064053; arXiv:2510.01937 [gr-qc]
Oleg Tsupko, an expert in several strong gravity topics including lensing and black hole shadows, joins Gr@v as a CEEC researcher from April 2026. Welcome Oleg!
The Gr@v coordinator, C. Herdeiro, visited Prague to deliver two seminars, at CEICO and Charles University. The visit provided a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues in a city rich in scientific and cultural heritage - home to figures such as Kepler, Tycho Brahe, Einstein, Doppler, Mach, Bolzano, and Kafka. Many thanks to both groups for their kind hospitality and for making this visit possible.
In the last week of January 2026, a research school on black holes and related topics took place in the beautiful setting of Licán Ray, Chile, nestled in a stunning volcanic lake region. C. Herdeiro was among the invited lecturers, with sessions held - quite fittingly - on whiteboards set up in the garden. The combination of great science and a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere made for a truly memorable event. Many thanks to Adolfo Cisterna and his team for making it all possible.