Konwersatorium im. Leopolda Infelda

I shall present the current status of searches for gravitational radiation.Gravitational waves are one of the predictions of the Einstein's general theory of relativity. I shall briefly introduce this phenomenon, review astrophysical sources of gravitational radiation and present evidence for its existence.Currently there is operating a world wide network of large scale laser interferometric antennas aiming at direct detection of gravitational waves. These detectors involve challenging technologies. Sophisticated data analysis methods are used to search for gravitational wave signals in the noise of the detectors. I shall present the observational results obtained so far from the analysis of data collected by these detectors. I shall stressimportance of joint searches with other astronomical observatories. No gravitational waves have been detected so far but exciting results are expected in a few years time when detectors with advanced configuration start operating. I shall briefly mention other current gravitational wave detection projects and projects planned in the future. I shall also describe the effort of researches in Poland in this field.