Emilia Kilpua

Emilia Kilpua serves as Professor in Space Physics at the University of Helsinki since 2020, following her progression from University Lecturer (2015) to Associate Professor (2015-2020). She currently leads the Doctoral Programme in particle physics and universe sciences, co-leads the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence in Sustainable Space (2018-2026), and coordinates the Marie Skłodowska-Curie SWATNET network (2021-2025).

Her academic foundation includes a PhD in theoretical physics (space plasma physics) from the University of Helsinki (2005), with formative research at Max-Planck-Institute of Aeronomie and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center during doctoral studies.

Professor Kilpua's research program centers on solar-terrestrial interactions, with particular emphasis on:

• Coronal mass ejections and solar eruptions in interplanetary space
• Solar wind-magnetosphere coupling mechanisms
• Van Allen radiation belt dynamics and geomagnetic storm evolution
• Space weather forecasting and auroral phenomena

Her extensive publication record (approximately 200 peer-reviewed articles, 6400+ citations, h-index 43) demonstrates consistent contributions to space physics, recently expanding to planetary science through her 2023 appointment as Principal Investigator for the BepiColombo solar X-ray instrument targeting Mercury observations in 2025.

Major recognitions include:

• Väisälä Prize from the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2021)
• Membership in the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2020) and Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters (2023)
• ERC Consolidator Grant funding excellence (2016)

As Doctoral Programme Head, she oversees PhD training in particle physics while leading major collaborative initiatives including the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence and EU SWATNET network. Her grant portfolio demonstrates exceptional success in securing competitive funding for space weather research and instrumentation development.

Her research group operates within the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence framework, focusing on space weather impacts and sustainable space operations, with current instrumentation development highlighted by the BepiColombo mission leadership.