Gravitational Wave Astronomy refers to a new branch of astronomy, which aims at the detection and analysis of gravitational waves that reach us from astrophysical sources like black holes, neutron stars, or supernovae. Such waves are predicted for the dynamics of massive objects by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

The SFB/TR7 is a Collaborative Research Centre (in German, Sonderforschungsbereich) funded by the German Research Foundation. The label Transregio (TR) signifies a collaboration of groups at the Universities of Jena (the lead university), Hannover and Tübingen, and at Max Planck Institutes in Garching, Hannover, and Potsdam.