Michael Backes

Prof. Michael Backes is an Associate Professor and Head of Astrophysics Research at the University of Namibia (UNAM), leading the Namibian H.E.S.S. group and founding director of the Virtual Institute for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence. He holds concurrent roles as Extraordinary Associate Professor at North-West University (South Africa) and Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford (UK). His research focuses on gamma-ray astronomy of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), data analysis methodologies, and next-generation telescope projects like the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) and Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT).

Education:

• MSc (Dipl.-Phys.) in Physics (2008, TU Dortmund University)
• PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Astroparticle Physics (2012, TU Dortmund University)

Research Interests: Gamma-ray astronomy of AGN, multi-wavelength observations, advanced data mining techniques, and instrumentation development. He pioneered semiconductor-based camera technology for gamma-ray telescopes and contributed to major collaborations like FACT and MAGIC.

Key Projects: Co-PI of AMT, Namibian-PI of H.E.S.S. observatory projects, and Co-Investigator on the ERC Synergy grant 'Blackholistic'. Active in steering committees for H.E.S.S. and IAU's Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development.

Recognition: Annie Maunder Medal 2024 (Royal Astronomical Society), UNAM Meritorious Award 2017, GYA membership (2018–2023), and plenary speaker at World Science Forum 2022. He also chairs the Namibia Scientific Society and drives astronomy outreach initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Namibian H.E.S.S. group and collaborates internationally on major observatories. Founded the Virtual Institute for Scientific Computing and AI to integrate advanced analytics into astrophysical research.