Alexis Diaz-Torres

Dr. Alexis Diaz-Torres is an Associate Professor in Theoretical Nuclear Physics at the University of Surrey, UK. His research focuses on quantum dynamics of nuclear reactions, with applications to astrophysical processes such as element creation in stars. He leads the School of Mathematics and Physics' Maths & Physics Programmes and teaches modules in computational physics and mechanics. Previously, he held roles at Goethe-University (Germany), ANU (Australia), and the ECT* in Italy.

Education: BSc/MSc from InSTEC (Cuba), PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) from Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (Germany). Awards include Fellowships of the Institute of Physics (FInstP) and the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Research interests include nuclear fusion mechanisms, open quantum systems, and computational modeling. Key projects involve studying element creation in dense stellar plasma and developing quantum dynamical models for exotic nuclei. His work bridges fundamental nuclear physics with astrophysical applications, contributing to understanding processes at facilities like FRIB and FAIR.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Institute of Physics (2020)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2018)

Advising & Grants: Supervised 7 PhD students and postdocs. Current projects include Leverhulme-funded research on element creation in stars. Leads collaborations with institutions in Germany, France, and Italy.

Outreach: Authored popular articles on extending the nuclide chart and nuclear astrophysics. Involved in science communication through peer-reviewed outreach pieces and book chapters.