Matthew Hayes

Matthew Hayes is an Associate Professor in Astrophysics at Stockholm University's Department of Astronomy and a Wallenberg Academy Fellow. His research focuses on the formation and evolution of galaxies, particularly during the reionization epoch, using multi-wavelength observations (JWST, Hubble, ESO) and computational modeling.

• Research Pillars: Cosmic reionization, Lyman-alpha emission physics, stellar feedback mechanisms, circumgalactic medium properties, and diagnostics of ionizing radiation
• Key Instruments: James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, VLT/MUSE, Nordic Optical Telescope

His recent work uses UV spectral diagnostics to trace the ionization state of the intergalactic medium and constrain the escape fraction of Lyman continuum photons. Current teaching includes graduate-level courses on the Physics of the Interstellar Medium (AS7001) and Observational Techniques in Astrophysics II (AS7004) featuring hands-on radio/optical observations.

Scientific Contributions:

• Developed novel methods for measuring ionized bubble sizes around high-redshift galaxies
• Advanced understanding of Lyman-alpha as a probe for galactic winds and outflows
• Calibrated UV diagnostic tools for metallicity and ionization parameters in the JWST era

Funding Sources: Swedish Research Council, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, Swedish National Space Board