Stefaan Poedts

Prof. Stefaan Poedts is a Full Professor at the Department of Mathematics of KU Leuven, leading the Center for Mathematical Plasma Astrophysics (CmPA). He specializes in modeling solar and space plasma phenomena, particularly focusing on coronal heating, solar wind dynamics, and the evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). His research addresses critical space weather challenges, supported by grants like the ERC AdG "Open SESAME".

Education & Career:

• Bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics (1984, KU Leuven)
• PhD in Applied Mathematics (1988, KU Leuven)
• Postdoctoral research stints at Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (Germany) and FOM Institute for Plasma Physics (Netherlands)
• Joined KU Leuven in 1996 as FWO Research Associate, becoming Full Professor in 2000

Research Interests:

• Solar corona and solar wind dynamics
• CME initiation, propagation, and geoeffectiveness
• MHD modeling of plasma instabilities and waves
• Controlled nuclear fusion (tokamak stability)
• Development of operational space weather models like EUHFORIA

Teaching & Outreach:

• Teaches courses in differential equations, calculus, and plasma physics
• Active in science communication, including public lectures on space weather

Labs & Collaborations: Leads the CmPA and contributes to ESA’s Virtual Space Weather Modelling Centre (VSWMC), advancing global heliospheric forecasting systems.