Sandra Chapman

Sandra Chapman is Professor of Physics and Director of the Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics at the University of Warwick. A plasma physicist specializing in nonlinear processes in astrophysical and laboratory plasmas, her paradigm-shifting work established magnetospheres as multi-scale dynamical systems. She received the 2024 EGU Hannes Alfvén Medal and 2022 RAS Chapman Medal for fundamental contributions to space plasma physics.

Her research develops complex systems approaches to solar-terrestrial physics, employing high-performance computing to model energy release mechanisms in space environments. Recent work creates novel data analytics for space weather risk quantification and climate applications. Chapman has held prestigious fellowships including Radcliffe (Harvard), Fulbright-Lloyd's, and ISSI Johannes Geiss Fellowship.

Public engagement includes Antarctic art exhibitions bridging science-art divides. She authored the textbook 'Core Electrodynamics' and has published over 200 papers. Research supervision has launched 30+ PhD careers in academia.