Chris Brunt

Dr Chris Brunt is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter, a position he has held since 2004. His research focuses on observational studies of the interstellar medium, galactic structure, and star formation, conducted both as a sole investigator and within international collaborations.

Education:

• PhD in Astronomy, University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1992-1999)
• BSc 1st Class Honours in Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of St. Andrews (1988-1992)

Research Interests:

Brunt's research program investigates the structure and dynamics of the interstellar medium, with particular emphasis on star formation processes in molecular clouds. He utilizes data from Galactic plane surveys and high-resolution observations of individual star-forming regions to study cloud structure and evolution. His work integrates observational data with theoretical models to understand the physical mechanisms driving star formation across different scales.

Research Funding:

• EU Marie Curie IRG: Galactic Molecular Clouds and Star Formation (GMCSF) (PI, 2007-2009, £50,000)
• EU Marie Curie IIF: to support K. Douglas (PI, 2008-2010, £131,309)
• EU FP7 SPACE: VIALACTEA (2013-2016, £28,571)
• EU ERC Standard Grant: LOCALSTAR (2011-2016, £41,771)
• STFC: The Formation and Evolution of Stars (2008-2011, £245,904)
• STFC: Research from Molecular Clouds to Exoplanets (2012-2015, £34,683)

Professional Service:

• Time Allocation Committee: FCRAO (2003-2004), JCMT (2008-2011), Herschel (2011)
• Journal Reviewer: MNRAS, ApJ, A&A

Outreach:

• National Science and Engineering Week activities at the University of Exeter (2008-2013)
• Public talks during International Year of Astronomy 2009 and 2010
• Talk to Torbay Astronomical Society (2013)