Richard McMahon

Professor Richard McMahon is affiliated with the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge and holds the academic rank of Professor of Astronomy. His career spans over 25 years of leadership in data-intensive multi-wavelength surveys.

• Education: PhD in Astronomy (Cambridge), Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education (Cambridge), BSc in Physics (Queen's University Belfast).

McMahon's research focuses on supermassive black holes, galaxy evolution, and the accelerating expansion of the Universe. He pioneered the use of quasars to study hydrogen content and star formation rates in the early Universe, utilizing projects like the VISTA Hemisphere Survey (VHS) and Dark Energy Survey (DES).

His work involves machine learning, supervised learning, and multi-dimensional data visualization for analyzing petascale datasets. He leads the DiRAC Data Intensive HPC Service and co-directs the AIRR Dawn Project, focusing on AI-driven cosmological research.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
  • 2007 Gruber Cosmology Prize
  • 2001 Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher

McMahon has held significant roles, including Director and Head of the Institute of Astronomy (2017–2022), and currently chairs the University Research Computing Advisory Board. His collaborations span institutions like ESO, ESA, and STFC.