Philipp Podsiadlowski

Philipp Podsiadlowski is a Professor of Physics in the Astrophysics sub-department at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at St Edmund Hall. He holds the Klaus Tschira Visiting Professorship at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) from May to December 2023. His research focuses on theoretical astrophysics, including stellar evolution, binary systems, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and gravitational wave sources. He leads the Fireworks Initiative, an international collaboration studying cosmic explosions and their implications for galaxy evolution. Notable awards include the Humboldt Prize Fellowship (since 2015).

Research interests span binary star dynamics, common-envelope evolution, and progenitors of supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. Collaborations include work with HITS groups (SET and PSO) and international networks. Teaching includes advanced astrophysics courses and doctoral supervision. His work on SN 1987A and gravitational wave sources highlights contributions to understanding stellar mergers and compact object formation.