Monday 13^th February 2009, 4:00 P.M.

Università "La Sapienza" Roma - Aula Conversi (Ed. Marconi)

Title: Evidence for an anticorrelation between the duration of the shallow decay phase of GRB X-ray afterglows and redshift

Abstract: One of the most intriguing features discovered by Swift is a plateau phase in the X-ray flux decay of the afterglows of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The physical origin of this feature is still being debated. We find an anticorrelation of the logarithm of the rest frame duration of the intrinsic shallow phase (T) with redshift (z) and, with less statistics, with the energy of the burst (Eiso). If the latter is real, as expected if the end of the plateau arises from a collimated outflow, then the lg(T)-z anticorrelation could be the result of a selection effect. Alternative scenarios are briefly discussed.

Thursday 19^th February 2009, 3:00 P.M.

Università "La Sapienza" Roma - Aula 8 (Dip. Fisica - Ed. Fermi - Nuovo Edificio)

Title: Status of Gravitational Wave detection and some ideas for the future

Abstract: Sensitivity af all existing Gravitational Wave detectors will be presented together with the upgradings needed for increasing sensitivity for the second generation advanced detectors. Outlines on third generation detectors will be also given.

Wednesday 25^th February 2009, 3:00 P.M.

Università "La Sapienza" Roma - Aula Rasetti (Dip. Fisica - Ed. Marconi - Vecchio Edificio)

Title: Unveiling the progenitors of Short Gamma Ray Bursts

Abstract: Recent observations of short GRBs have revealed new features on the emission properties and on the location of these events in their host galaxies. Mounting evidence now suggests multiple progenitors. I will present the relevant observational body and discuss implications, with particular regard to progenitors population.