Matt Darnley

Prof Matt Darnley is the Professor of Time Domain Astrophysics and Head of Teaching at the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), where he has worked since 2001. He also serves as Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience in LJMU's Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology & Science (HITS) since 2022.

• Education:
  • MPhys in Physics, University of Oxford (dissertation on cosmological object detection)
  • PhD in Astrophysics, LJMU (Andromeda Galaxy nova populations)

Research Interests focus on Classical and Recurrent Novae, their progenitor systems, and extragalactic populations, with significant work linking novae to Type Ia Supernovae. He pioneered hydrodynamic modeling of nova ejecta, discovering the first nova super-remnants. Recent work expands to observational astrophysics (X-ray/UV/optical), cataclysmic variables, and human spaceflight including astrodynamics and sustainable space missions to the Moon and Mars.

Scientific Trends in his 15 most recent works (2024-2020) span hydrodynamic modeling of nova super-remnants (KT Eridani, RS Ophiuchi), machine learning applications in transient detection (ZTF, Gaia Alerts), and multiwavelength studies of novae and supernovae. His work combines observational campaigns with theoretical simulations to address stellar evolution and cosmological implications.

Awards & Recognition:

• Shortlisted for THE Research Project of the Year (STEM) 2017
• Won University of Liverpool Student Experience Staff Award 2017
• Recognized in LJMU Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards 2024 for ED&I contributions
• Elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Higher Education Academy

Teaching & Leadership: Leads LJMU's Physics Icebreaker Project (Mission to Mars module), Undergraduate Astrophysics Programs, and MSc Time Domain Astrophysics module. Served as University of Liverpool Programme Director (2016-2019, 2023) and External Examiner at University College London and University of Hertfordshire.

Professional Activities:

• Chaired EWASS 2018 Local Organising Committee
• Advisory role for EWASS 2019
• Member of Armagh Observatory Management Committee (2021-)
• Editor for Open Astronomy (2017-)
• Active in Institute of Physics, International Astronomical Union, and European Astronomical Society (2015-)

Grants & Collaborations: Awarded STFC Grant (2021) for Recurrent Nova Super-Remnants research. Collaborates with institutions including University College London, Armagh Observatory, and European Week of Astronomy and Space Science committees.