Michael Kosch

Professor Michael Kosch is a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Lancaster University (Faculty of Science and Technology). He is an experimental space scientist with a background in electronic engineering, focusing on high-altitude polar atmospheric and near-Earth space phenomena.

• Education: BSc in Electronic Engineering (University of Durban-Westville, 1984); PhD in Space Physics (University of Natal, 1991)
• Current roles: Professor of Physics (Lancaster University); Space Research and Applications Manager at South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

His research spans magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, unusual auroral phenomena, mesospheric dusty plasma, and space weather effects. He utilizes high-power radar and optical systems for experiments in Alaska, Norway, and Russia, including artificial aurora generation.

Recent publications analyze high-latitude sporadic E layers and ionospheric instabilities using advanced radar techniques. He supervised projects involving EISCAT and SANSA facilities, emphasizing wave-plasma interactions and climate change impacts via atmospheric density trends.

Scientific contributions include:

• NERC-funded projects like EISCAT_3D
• Distinguished Fellow at LaTrobe University (2009)

He co-directs EnviroVision Systems, a company deploying automatic camera systems for environmental protection. His career includes fieldwork in Antarctica and leadership roles like Associate Dean Research (2011-13).