SHERBROOKE, QC, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ – Bishop’s University has received $800,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Government of Quebec and other partners — as part of a $12 million pan-Canadian collaboration. This funding will support Bishop’s participation in a national project aimed at solving some of the most fundamental questions in modern astrophysics, including what happens when black holes collide.
Artistic illustration of the LISA mission satellites in the solar system observing gravitational waves coming from a distant galaxy. Credits: University of Florida / Simon Barke (CC BY 4.0). (CNW Group/Bishop’s University)
When black holes at the centers of galaxies collide, they send ripples through the very fabric of space-time — ripples that we can detect to study the mysterious origins of these black holes in the early universe. Bishop’s University is now part of the national effort to build the infrastructure needed to detect these ripples, called “gravitational waves.”
The Gravitational Wave Astrophysics Infrastructure Network (GRAIN) is a $12 million pan-Canadian collaboration bringing together researchers from six universities to build the hardware, computing capacity and software needed to detect and analyze gravitational waves using detectors located both on Earth and in space. Notable fact: CFI 2026 Innovation Fund investment paves the way for Canadian participation in LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), a $2 billion European Space Agency mission that will use lasers transmitted between a constellation of three spacecraft sent into orbit to detect gravitational waves.
At Bishop’s, this investment supports the work of Professor John Ruan, Canada Research Chair in Multi-Messenger Astrophysics. Professor Ruan’s team uses gravitational waves in parallel with light to push the boundaries of this new field and answer some of the deepest questions in astrophysics: Why are there black holes at the centers of galaxies? Where do the heaviest elements in the universe come from? GRAIN will allow its team to join this effort to solve these cosmic mysteries.
« LISA will detect for the first time gravitational waves originating from collisions of black holes located at the centers of galaxies, which will constitute a major discovery worthy of a Nobel Prize,” says Professor Ruan. “The project GRAIN ensures that Canadian researchers — including our team — will lead parts of this effort by providing mission-critical software infrastructure. HAS”
Bishop’s is one of six universities in the consortium GRAINalongside UBC, McGill, the University of Montreal, the University of Lethbridge and the University of Manitoba — a collaboration that reflects the University’s growing national presence in astrophysics research.
“Bishop’s is a small university that asks very big questions,” emphasizes Professor Matthew Peros, interim associate vice-provost (Research). “Being part of a national collaboration of this scale is a testament to the strength of our researchers, but also to the impact that small institutions can have on cutting-edge research, both nationally and internationally. HAS”
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About Bishop’s University
Founded in 1843 and located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people (W8banakiak wdakiw8k), Bishop’s University is a historic English-language institution located in the picturesque Eastern Townships region of Quebec. Its 550-acre campus offers an immersive educational experience within a close-knit community.
With a student population of approximately 2,600 full-time students, Bishop’s promotes deep academic engagement through a personalized study path, small class sizes and meaningful interactions between students and professors. The University offers more than 100 programs spread across five faculties: Arts, Letters and Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Administration and Education.
For more than 180 years, Bishop’s has developed leaders and change agents through interdisciplinary learning, experiential learning opportunities and extensive student support. Whether it is study abroad, research, participation on a sports team or hands-on learning, Bishop’s students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence and personal development in an inclusive and dynamic environment.
SOURCE Bishop’s University
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Sonia Patenaude, Communications Manager, Bishop’s University, 819-342-2587, [email protected]
