Energetic Cosmos Laboratory

Energetic Cosmos Laboratory is an astrophysics laboratory founded by Nobel Prize winner George Smoot in 2017 at Nazarbayev University. The main goal is to understand fundamental problems in physics and astrophysics and contribute to the technical know-how and innovation ecosystem of NU. ECL includes a number of research facilities. ECL conducts original research in several areas, including theory, data science, telescope observations, cryogenic detectors, and ultra-fast astronomy. We focus on topics relevant to cosmology, gravity, and high-energy astrophysical processes. We constructed and operate the NU Transient Telescope for optical observations of fast transient phenomena. We have a cryogenic detector facility including an electronics testing and assembly lab, and a clean room facility, where we work on quantum sensors.