Chris Hamilton

Chris Hamilton is a theoretical astrophysicist and a John N. Bahcall Fellow (5-year member) in Astrophysics at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton since 2021. His research focuses on the dynamics of galaxies, globular clusters, binary stars, planetary systems, and compact object mergers (including LIGO/Virgo gravitational-wave progenitors), with a strong emphasis on the kinetic theory of stellar systems and plasmas. He also serves as a lecturer for the course Kinetic Theory of Stellar Systems at the Oxford Master Course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics.

• Education
  • PhD in Astrophysics (2021), DAMTP, University of Cambridge
  • MSc in Physics (2017), Merton College, University of Oxford

Hamilton's work connects stellar dynamics to gravitational wave astrophysics, particularly through modeling binary star interactions and compact object mergers. His research bridges classical celestial mechanics with modern gravitational-wave astronomy, addressing fundamental questions about the evolution of dense stellar systems.

Honors

• 2021 International Astronomical Union PhD Prize for Excellence in Astrophysics

Contact Information

Office Address: 1 Einstein Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
Email: chamilton@ias.edu