Eleanna Asvestari

Eleanna Asvestari is an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki, working within the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science. Her research is centered at the Particle Physics and Astrophysics Space Physics Research Group, where she focuses on space weather, solar physics, and heliospheric phenomena. She leads the SOFTCAT project (Solar Open Flux Topology Comprehensive investigATion) funded by the Academy of Finland and has previously managed the TRAMSEP project.

Dr. Asvestari holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Oulu (2016), an MSc in Astrophysics with Distinction from Queen Mary University of London (2013), and a BSc in Physics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2012). Her doctoral research examined the imprints of long-term solar variability on cosmic rays and terrestrial archives.

Her research interests span space physics, solar physics, and astrophysics, with specific focus on solar energetic particles, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), heliospheric modeling, and space weather prediction. She extensively uses the EUHFORIA model to study CME propagation, magnetic field structures, and their impacts on the heliosphere. Her work combines multi-spacecraft observations with advanced modeling techniques to understand complex solar phenomena and their terrestrial effects.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on CME modeling, particularly using spheromak and cone structures in the EUHFORIA framework. She investigates magnetic field topology, open flux origins, and particle acceleration mechanisms. Her research increasingly incorporates multi-point observations from various spacecraft to validate models and understand three-dimensional heliospheric structures. Recent work shows growing interest in anisotropic cosmic-ray effects and long-term solar variability impacts.

• Principal's Prize for outstanding academic achievement (Queen Mary University of London, 2013)
• 2nd prize at Science Night Live! pitching competition (2023)
• SOLARNET mobility Programme Travel Grant (2019)

As a project leader for SOFTCAT and previously TRAMSEP, Dr. Asvestari manages significant research funding focused on understanding solar open magnetic flux and solar energetic particle transport. She collaborates extensively with international teams across Europe and participates in major space weather initiatives including the FOREsail Centre of Excellence. Her public engagement includes numerous presentations at events like the Night of Science and European Space Weather Week, where she communicates complex space weather concepts to broader audiences.

Dr. Asvestari is an active member of the Particle Physics and Astrophysics Research group at the University of Helsinki, contributing to the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Research of Sustainable Space (FOREsail). She participates in the SERPENTINE project for solar energetic particle research and collaborates with international consortia including the EUHFORIA modeling community. Her work connects observational data from multiple spacecraft with advanced modeling to improve space weather forecasting capabilities.