Lahav Ofer

Prof. Lahav Ofer is the Perren Professor of Astronomy at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London (UCL), UK. He previously served as Vice-Dean for Research (2011–2015) and Head of Astrophysics (2004–2011) within UCL's Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences. His career includes roles at the University of Cambridge, including Reader in Cosmology (2000–2003) and Senior Assistant in Research (1990–2000). He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge (1988) and a Master's in Physics from Ben-Gurion University (1985).

His research focuses on cosmological probes of Dark Matter/Energy, neutrino cosmology, statistical methods for big data, large spectroscopic/photometric surveys, and galaxy evolution. He has authored over 380 refereed articles, achieving an h-index of 88. Awards include the Royal Astronomical Society Gerald Whitrow Lecture (2014), ERC Advanced Grant (2012–2018), and Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award (2008–2013).

Prof. Ofer has supervised 30 PhD students and 17 MSc students, mentoring 28 postdoctoral researchers. He co-founded UCL's Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Intensive Science (2017–present) and the neutrino Physics theme at the Institute of Origins. Leadership roles include Chair of the DES Advisory Board (2016), Vice-President of the Royal Astronomical Society (2010–2012), and editorial roles in journals like the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.