Ben Burningham

Dr. Ben Burningham serves as Associate Professor in the Research Centre for Astrophysics Research (CAR) within the School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics where he leads cutting-edge research in substellar objects.

His research focuses on brown dwarfs as critical bridges between stellar and planetary physics. Specializing in objects straddling the T/Y transition, he investigates atmospheric phenomena including clouds, weather systems, aurorae, and chemical composition using advanced observational techniques. His work leverages major facilities like the James Webb Space Telescope to probe substellar atmospheres down to planetary temperatures.

Recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on JWST-driven atmospheric characterization, spectral retrieval methods for cloudy brown dwarfs, and chemical abundance studies in cold substellar objects. His research output shows consistent focus on infrared observations of L/T dwarfs and their connection to exoplanet science.

As Principal Investigator, he leads multiple significant projects including Cloudbusting with JWST (2023-2026) characterizing aerosols in substellar atmospheres, and Cloud busting with JWST (2021-2026) studying exoplanet atmospheres. Earlier projects include retrieval analysis of brown dwarfs and direct imaging of planetary-mass objects.

Within the Research Centre for Astrophysics Research, Burningham collaborates extensively on UKIDSS infrared sky surveys and Gaia ultracool dwarf studies, maintaining strong connections with international observatories and research teams focused on substellar and exoplanetary science.