Ilaria CaiazzoView profile
Assistant Professor
Ilaria Caiazzo is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), where she conducts research in high-energy astrophysics, focusing on compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia and was a Burke-Sherman Fairchild Fellow at Caltech before joining ISTA. Her work integrates theoretical modeling with observational data from major surveys and space missions. B.Sc. in Physics, University of Genoa M.Sc. in Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano Ph.D. in Astrophysics, University of British Columbia Her research interests lie at the frontier of extreme physics in stellar environments. She investigates white dwarf evolution, X-ray polarization from neutron stars, gravitational wave sources, and stellar dynamics in globular clusters. Using data from missions like IXPE, Gaia, and JWST, she explores how compact objects serve as natural laboratories for fundamental physics. Her work often combines multi-wavelength observations with theoretical modeling to understand emission mechanisms, magnetic fields, and stellar evolution. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on observational astrophysics, time-domain surveys, and mission-driven science. Key themes include the use of Gaia and ZTF for stellar dynamics and binaries, IXPE for X-ray polarimetry, and the development of future missions like Colibrì. Her research spans both stellar remnants and broader cosmological implications, including LIGO follow-up strategies and planetary system evolution around dead stars. Ilaria Caiazzo is actively involved in science policy and education. She co-developed a framework for Canadian space mission funding and has taught advanced astrophysics courses. She also organized the Simulating Stars Summer School in Beijing, engaging nearly 100 students. While no formal scientific awards are listed, her leadership in the Colibrì mission and her outreach efforts highlight her impact beyond research. She leads the Colibrì mission concept as Project Scientist—a Canadian-led X-ray telescope initiative aiming for high spectral and timing resolution to probe neutron stars and black holes. She collaborates with international teams, including the IXPE mission scientists, and mentors students in astrophysics and data analysis. Her interdisciplinary work also extends to filmmaking, where she produces science-inspired art through her company Sukiyaki Studio.






