Christopher Copperwheat

Dr Christopher Copperwheat is a Reader in Time Domain Astrophysics at the Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), where he serves as Director of the Liverpool Telescope—the world's largest robotic telescope dedicated to science. He also acts as deputy LJMU Principal Investigator for the New Robotic Telescope currently in development. His academic appointments include Reader in Time Domain Astrophysics (since 2018), Liverpool Telescope Director (since June 2023), and previously served as Liverpool Telescope Astronomer in Charge (2015-2023).

His educational background features a PhD from University College London (2003-2007) and an MSci (Hons) from University of Bristol (1999-2003), complemented by professional certifications including a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from LJMU (2019) and Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management from ILM (2019).

Dr Copperwheat's research centers on time-domain astrophysics, with specific expertise in binary star evolution, white dwarf science, and gravitational wave astronomy. His work bridges observational astronomy with technological innovation through development of new instrumentation for the Liverpool Telescope and software solutions for robotic telescope scheduling. His recent publications reveal strong focus areas in robotic telescope systems, gravitational wave follow-up observations, cataclysmic variables, and machine learning applications for transient detection in large astronomical surveys.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through the Vice Chancellor's Medal for Excellence in Research (2017), Fellowship in the Higher Education Academy (2019), and membership in prestigious organizations including the Royal Astronomical Society, International Astronomical Union, and European Astronomical Society.

As an academic supervisor, Dr Copperwheat has led or co-supervised numerous PhD projects spanning relativistic explosions, telescope scheduling algorithms, and machine learning applications in astronomy. He has secured significant research funding from STFC, including multiple grants for Liverpool Telescope operations (2023-2027) and development of next-generation telescope control systems. Professionally, he represents LJMU on the international CCI committee for the Canarian observatories and serves on STFC's Projects Peer Review Panel. In teaching, he leads modules in Astronomical Techniques and Physics of Planets across LJMU's MSc and undergraduate programs.