Robert Feldmann

Robert Feldmann is a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Zurich's Department of Astrophysics within the Faculty of Science. His research combines computational astrophysics with data science to investigate galaxy formation and evolution across cosmic history. As a key contributor to the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) project and leader of MassiveFIRE, he develops sophisticated cosmological simulations to understand how galaxies form stars, grow, and evolve within the cosmic web.

Feldmann's research interests focus on understanding how galaxies and their properties evolve over cosmic time, particularly examining the processes that determine galaxy sizes, regulate star formation rates, and shape morphology. His work bridges observational astronomy with theoretical modeling, leveraging the exponential growth in computing power and data science techniques to tackle complex astrophysical problems. He investigates the role of stellar feedback, cosmological starvation, and dark matter halo properties in shaping galaxy evolution, with particular emphasis on massive galaxies during the cosmic noon period (redshifts z~1.5-3).

His publication record shows consistent output in leading astrophysics journals, with recent work focusing on applying machine learning to cosmological simulations (EMBER framework), studying submillimeter-bright galaxies, and analyzing quiescent galaxy formation. Feldmann has developed significant open-source tools including LEO-Py for statistical analysis of astronomical data and ZEBRA for photometric redshift determination, demonstrating his dual expertise in astrophysics and computational methods.

Feldmann actively collaborates with researchers worldwide, including Phil Hopkins, Rachel Bezanson, and Eliot Quataert, and participates in major international projects. He regularly presents at conferences, including organizing the 2024 Ascona conference on 'Observing and Simulating Galaxy Evolution in the Era of JWST.' His work has been featured in media outlets like Sueddeutsche Zeitung, highlighting the public impact of his research on galaxy morphology.

As an educator, Feldmann mentors Master's students from both University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, offering research projects in astrophysics and data science. His computational approach to galaxy evolution provides students with valuable experience in high-performance computing and data analysis techniques applicable across scientific disciplines.