Find Academic Supervisors

• High-energy Astrophysics
• X-ray Binaries
• Neutron Stars
• +2 more

Camille Diez is a Research Fellow at the European Space Agency (ESA) within the Space Science Faculty. Her work focuses on observational astrophysics, specifically accreting neutron stars in X-ray binary systems and their surrounding environments. She utilizes high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy from missions like NuSTAR and XMM-Newton , while preparing for future missions such as XRISM and Athena (2030+). Her research aims to constrain neutron star masses via radial velocity measurements at the VLT and advance understanding of accretion physics and dense matter equations of state. Collaborations : Peter Kretschmar, Felix Fürst, Victoria Grinberg, and teams across institutions like IFCA (Santander), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, and ISDC (Geneva). Expertise : High-energy astrophysics, X-ray spectroscopy, Doppler shift analysis, and stellar wind characterization. Her recent publications highlight studies on the Vela X-1 system, including wind structure variability and accretion wake dynamics, as well as spectral-timing analysis of Cygnus X-1 . She contributes to ESA missions and collaborates on projects like the upcoming Disentangling Pulse Profiles of (Accreting) Neutron Stars ISSI Working Group (2024–2025).

Violetta SagunView profile

Researcher

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Compact Stars
• Neutron Stars
• +9 more

Violetta Sagun is a Senior Researcher in Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Gravity Group within the STAG Research Centre and the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences. She has previously held postdoctoral positions at Coimbra University (2019–2024) and Lisbon’s CENTRA (2016–2018), establishing a strong international research profile. Her research focuses on compact stars , multi-messenger astrophysics , and the properties of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions. She specializes in the effects of dark matter on neutron stars , including their structure, thermal evolution, and merger dynamics. A key aspect of her work involves numerical relativity simulations of dark matter-admixed compact star binaries, contributing to the science case for next-generation detectors like the Einstein Telescope. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in modeling dark matter interactions in neutron stars, probing the equation of state, phase transitions, and gravitational wave signatures. She frequently collaborates with leading groups in Portugal, Germany, Poland, and beyond, with work published in journals such as Physical Review D , Astrophysical Journal , and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society . Among her scientific contributions are studies on: Thermal evolution of neutron stars with dark matter Tidal deformability as a probe of dark matter Constraints on fermionic and bosonic dark matter from observations Quasiequilibrium configurations of dark matter admixed binaries The nature of compact objects like HESS J1731-347 She advises no publicly listed students and has not been noted to receive specific scientific awards in the provided text. Her research is conducted within the Gravity Group at Southampton, a leading center for gravitational physics and astrophysics.

Stephan RosswogView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Compact Objects
• Neutron Stars
• +3 more

Stephan Rosswog is a Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics of Compact Objects at the University of Hamburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences and the Department of Physics (Hamburg Observatory). His research focuses on neutron star structure, quark matter physics, and tidal interactions in the Galactic Centre involving supermassive black holes. Current research includes modeling neutron star equations of state with piecewise polytropes and quark matter transitions Investigates enigmatic gaseous/dusty sources near Sgr A* via Newtonian/hydrodynamic simulations

Alessandra BuonannoView profile

Research Professor

• Analytical Solution of the Two-Body Problem in General Relativity
• Gravitational Wave Modeling
• Compact Objects Physics
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Alessandra Buonanno serves as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert-Einstein-Institut) in Potsdam and Research Professor at the Department of Physics, University of Maryland. She also holds Honorary Professor positions at Humboldt University and Potsdam University, and is a Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Pisa, Italy (1993-1996) Master in Physics (Laurea), University of Pisa, Italy (1993) Prof. Buonanno specializes in gravitational physics with expertise in analytical solutions to the two-body problem in General Relativity, modeling gravitational waves from compact object mergers, and testing fundamental physics through gravitational-wave observations. Her research integrates analytical and numerical relativity approaches to study black holes, neutron stars, and early universe cosmology. She has received numerous prestigious awards including the Oskar Klein Medal (2023), Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2018), Dirac Medal (2021), and election to multiple national academies. Her work on gravitational wave modeling was instrumental for the LIGO-Virgo detections. Prof. Buonanno's publications, including her notable 2017 article 'The dawn of a new era' in CERN courier, highlight the transformative impact of gravitational wave astronomy on fundamental physics and cosmology. As Principal Investigator of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and member of various international committees including the Kavli Prize Committee and Solvay International Scientific Committee, she plays a pivotal role in advancing gravitational physics research globally.

Stefan DreizlerView profile

Professor

• Stellar Astrophysics
• Stellar Atmospheres
• Extra Solar Planets
• +3 more

Prof. Stefan Dreizler is a Full Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Göttingen's Faculty of Physics, leading the Institute of Astrophysics. He holds a Physics Diploma from Kiel University (1989), followed by a PhD (1992) and Habilitation (2000) in Astrophysics. His career includes DFG fellowships, postdoctoral roles at Erlangen-Nuremberg and Tübingen, and a 2007–2009 tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Physics. He received the 2010 Robert Bosch Award and became a Göttingen Academy of Sciences member in 2016. Research focuses on Stellar Astrophysics , Stellar Atmospheres , Extra Solar Planets , and Astronomical Instrumentation . Recent work includes exoplanet detection via the CARMENES survey, studies on Proxima Centauri's habitable zone planets, and analyses of planetary systems around M dwarfs. He contributes to projects like PHOENIX stellar atmosphere models and transit timing variations. Publications highlight discoveries such as Teegarden’s three-planet system (2024) and a black hole candidate in NGC 3201 (2018). He collaborates internationally through initiatives like RedDots and leads the GGNB’s Physics of Biological and Complex Systems program.

Melissa MendesView profile

Researcher

• Neutron Star Cooling
• Neutron Star Equation of State
• Quark-Hadron Phase Transition
• +2 more

Melissa Mendes is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Technical University of Darmstadt's Institute of Nuclear Physics, Theory Center. She holds a PhD in Physics from McGill University (2023) with a thesis focusing on nuclear equations of state and neutron star observations. Her research emphasizes neutron star cooling mechanisms, equation of state dynamics, and signatures of quark-hadron phase transitions. Her work bridges theoretical nuclear physics with astrophysical phenomena, contributing to understanding dense matter properties via multi-messenger observations. Recent studies include collaborations on NICER mission data analysis and chiral effective field theory applications. She has published in high-impact journals like Astrophysical Journal Letters and Phys. Rev. C. Current affiliations include the TU Darmstadt Theory Center and the ExtreMe Matter Institute (EMMI). She is actively involved in computational nuclear physics projects analyzing neutron-rich systems and superfluidity models.

Kostas KokkotasView profile

Professor

• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• Neutron Stars
• Black Holes
• +4 more

Kostas Kokkotas is a Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Tübingen, Germany, leading the Theoretical Astrophysics (TAT) group. He holds an Honorary Professorship at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His academic journey includes degrees from the University of Thessaloniki (BSc, PhD) and Cardiff University (MSc). Primary affiliation: Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (since 2007) Adjunct Professor at Georgia Tech (2010) Former position at University of Thessaloniki (1990–2007) Research focuses on gravitational waves, neutron stars, black holes, and relativistic astrophysics. Notable contributions include studies on quasinormal modes, compact object dynamics, and asteroseismology. Editor of Handbook of Gravitational Wave Astronomy (Springer, 2022). Teaching includes courses on General Relativity, Numerical Methods, and Relativistic Astrophysics. Active in international collaborations like the Einstein Telescope and Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) projects. Over 200 refereed publications, with recent work on premerger neutron star phenomena and gravitational wave echoes.

Daniela D. DonevaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Modified Theories of Gravity
• Gravitational Waves
• +3 more

Daniela D. Doneva is a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Tübingen leading an Emmy Noether Research Group dedicated to studying gravitational waves from compact objects as probes of strong gravity and nuclear matter at extreme densities. Her research focuses on theoretical frameworks for modified gravity theories, with emphasis on gravitational wave signatures from neutron stars and black holes. Key interests include: Testing fundamental physics in strong-field regimes Nuclear equation of state at supranuclear densities Alternative gravity models beyond General Relativity Major recognitions include: DFG Emmy Noether Research Group award Membership in the Max Planck Society's Elisabeth-Schiemann-Kolleg since 2021 Her independent research group operates at the University of Tübingen, developing gravitational wave analysis techniques to constrain both astrophysical and theoretical parameters under extreme conditions.

Armen SedrakianView profile

Professor

• Astrophysics
• Nuclear Physics
• Heavy Ion Physics
• +4 more

Professor Armen Sedrakian is a distinguished theoretical physicist specializing in the interrelation between particle physics and astrophysics. He currently holds positions as a Fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) since 2017, Professor at the Department of Physics at Yerevan State University in Armenia since 2011, and teaches at the Department of Theoretical Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions including Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, University of Rostock, Cornell University, University of Groningen, and University of Tübingen where he completed his habilitation on 'Compact stars: Aspects of nuclear and particle physics' in 2006. Dr. Sedrakian's research focuses on the connections between micro and macro worlds, with particular emphasis on astrophysics, heavy ion physics, and nuclear physics. His work spans applications from condensed matter to high-density quantum chromodynamics, particularly in the context of compact stars. His theoretical investigations explore the fundamental nature of matter under extreme conditions found in neutron stars and other compact objects. Professor Sedrakian has made significant contributions to understanding the equation of state of dense matter, superconductivity in neutron stars, and the dynamics of compact star mergers. His research integrates theoretical models with observational constraints from multimessenger astronomy. He serves as an associate editor for 'Particles,' an open access journal published by MDPI, and has been a Foreign Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia since 2014. His recent publications demonstrate cutting-edge research in neutron star physics, including studies on binary neutron star mergers, symmetry energy effects, color superconductivity in quark matter, and relativistic hydrodynamics. These works represent the forefront of theoretical astrophysics and nuclear physics, addressing fundamental questions about matter under extreme conditions. Among his professional distinctions, Professor Sedrakian served as Germany's representative to the 'NewCompStar' COST action from 2014-2017. His research program continues to bridge theoretical physics with observational astrophysics, contributing to our understanding of the universe's most extreme environments.

• High Energy Astrophysics
• Space-Based Astrophysics
• Stellar Evolution
• +3 more

Andrea Santangelo is a Professor at the Department of Physics, University of Tübingen, affiliated with the Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IAAT) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. He served as Spokesperson of the Department of Physics and has been active in teaching and research in high-energy astrophysics. His office hours are listed as Wednesday: 12:00-15:00, with contact details including office A222, Sand 1, Tübingen, and phone number 29-76128.

• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• Laser Interferometry
• Space Interferometry
• +3 more

Jonathan Carter is a Junior Scientist/Postdoc at the Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik (Albert-Einstein-Institut) in Hannover, Germany. His research focuses on gravitational wave astronomy, laser interferometry, and space interferometry. He contributes to advanced detector technologies, including optomechanical resonators and inertial sensors, with a particular emphasis on improving precision measurements for gravitational wave detection. His work bridges fundamental physics with experimental engineering, addressing challenges in multi-messenger astronomy and dark matter searches. Key research areas include: Laser interferometry for gravitational wave detection Development of high-Q resonators for precision sensing Analysis of gravitational wave data from LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA observatories Exploration of ultralight dark matter via gravitational wave signatures Optimization of interferometric systems for space-based applications His recent publications highlight advancements in sensor technology, gravitational wave follow-up studies, and collaborative efforts across global detector networks. While no awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaborations reflect significant impact in the field.

Frank M. RiegerView profile

Lecturer

• High Energy Astrophysics
• Plasma Astrophysics
• Relativistic Phenomena
• +5 more

Frank M. Rieger serves as a Lecturer at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Heidelberg, and as a senior researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Garching. He maintains additional affiliations with the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) and participates in the H.E.S.S. Collaboration. His research specializes in: Physics of relativistic compact objects (neutron stars and black holes) Relativistic outflows and jet formation mechanisms Shear particle acceleration in astrophysical flows Non-thermal radiation processes in extreme environments Time domain analysis of gamma-ray emitting active galactic nuclei Rieger actively contributes to major international projects including the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) and supports the 'Extreme Non-thermal Universe' CDY initiative. In 2024, he hosted the ISSS & IPELS Series at IPP in Garching and previously co-organized HEPRO 2023 in Paris. At Heidelberg University, he teaches courses on Theoretical High Energy Astrophysics, Cosmic Particle Accelerators, and Astroparticle Physics, emphasizing the critical interface between theoretical modeling and observational data in advancing astrophysical understanding.

Joachim KoppView profile

Professor

• Dark Matter
• Collider Physics
• Neutrino Physics
• +3 more

Joachim Kopp is a Professor for Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , currently on leave of absence at CERN . His research focuses on dark matter, collider physics, neutrino physics, and theories beyond the Standard Model, emphasizing phenomenological implications for experiments. He leads the PhenoCOND group , specializing in collider, neutrino, and dark matter studies. Research Interests: Dark matter detection and theoretical models Neutrino oscillations and scattering Collider physics at the LHC and beyond Primordial black holes and cosmological phase transitions Group & Teaching: Supervises PhD students (Lisa Michaels, Lukas Mittnacht) and Master's student Moritz Breitbach Teaches courses on quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and neutrino physics Affiliations: Member of PRISMA+ Cluster of Excellence Part of the Theoretical High Energy Physics (THEP) Group

• Gravitational Waves
• General Relativity
• Compact Binaries
• +4 more

Dr. Jan Steinhoff is a Group Leader leading the research group Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Potsdam. He holds a diploma in Physics (2006) and PhD (2010) from Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, with doctoral research on canonical formulations of spin in general relativity under Prof. Gerhard Schäfer. Following postdoctoral positions at Instituto Superior Técnico (Lisbon) and AEI, he established his independent research group in 2019. His primary research focuses on analytical predictions for compact binary dynamics and gravitational wave emissions. Key areas include: Spin-induced spacetime twisting and orbital precession effects Tidal deformation and oscillation modes in neutron stars Deviations from Einstein's gravity in gravitational wave signatures Effective field theory frameworks for binary systems Waveform modeling (especially effective-one-body approaches) Steinhoff's publications demonstrate consistent focus on analytical relativity methods applied to gravitational wave astrophysics. Recent work emphasizes: Tidal interactions in neutron stars within modified gravity theories High-precision post-Newtonian calculations Waveform development for next-generation detectors Tests of general relativity using LIGO-Virgo observations He leads the AEI's efforts in developing perturbative solutions to gravitational two-body problems, leveraging synergies with high-energy physics techniques including scattering amplitudes and effective field theories.

• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• Numerical Relativity
• Black Hole Physics
• +3 more

Dr. Frank Ohme is a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Albert Einstein Institute (AEI), Hannover , focusing on gravitational wave research. He leads the Binary Merger Observations and Numerical Relativity group, which combines numerical relativity simulations with gravitational-wave data analysis to study black hole and neutron star mergers. Studied Physics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (German diploma, 2008) PhD at Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Potsdam, 2009-2012) Postdoc and Research Fellow at Cardiff University (2012-2015) Research Group Leader at AEI Hannover (2016-present) Research interests include hybridizing post-Newtonian signals with numerical relativity data, analytic modeling of gravitational-wave signals, and parameter estimation methods for gravitational-wave detection. His work connects Einstein's equations to observational astrophysics through large-scale supercomputer simulations of compact binary mergers. Key article trends show focus on gravitational-wave signatures from black hole binaries , neutron star mergers , and exotic compact objects . The work involves signal processing , superconducting magnet design , and high-field physics for collider technologies. Scientific contributions : Co-author of the first direct gravitational-wave observation (2015) Principal investigator in numerical relativity-gravitational wave synergy Developed frameworks for distinguishing exotic compact objects from black holes Recipient of ERC funding for gravitational wave research Student mentorship includes supervising Bachelor's and Master's students like Julian Luca Berg and Max Melching PhD candidates such as Angela Borchers Pascual and Jannik Mielke His group utilizes the Holodeck supercomputing cluster for neutron star merger simulations and collaborates with CERN on superconducting magnet technologies.