Annalisa Pillepich

Dr. Annalisa Pillepich is a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, leading the Galaxies and Cosmology Theory group. Her research focuses on modeling cosmic structure formation, galaxy evolution, and cosmological processes within the ΛCDM framework. She employs advanced numerical simulations (e.g., IllustrisTNG) and machine learning techniques to study baryonic feedback, dark matter dynamics, and large-scale structure.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's and Master's in Physics, University of Pisa
  • PhD in Physics, ETH Zurich
  • Postdoctoral positions at UC Santa Cruz and Harvard University

Her group investigates topics such as gas dynamics in galaxies, magnetic fields, and the interplay between galaxies and their environments. They leverage synthetic datasets and statistical analysis to refine cosmological models and interpret observational data from facilities like eROSITA. Current projects include studying stellar halos, galaxy mergers, and cosmological parameter inference.

Former members of her group have transitioned to roles at institutions like NASA, University College London, and the University of Groningen. She advises PhD students and mentors interns on topics ranging from galaxy clusters to stellar populations.

Dr. Pillepich’s work is supported by collaborations such as the IllustrisTNG project and the STRUCTURES Cluster of Excellence. Her research bridges numerical astrophysics with observational cosmology, advancing our understanding of galaxy formation and the universe’s evolution.