Timothy O'Brien

Professor Timothy O'Brien is Director of Teaching and Associate Director at Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester. He completed his PhD in Astrophysics at Manchester in 1990 and has taught astrophysics since 1988.

His research centers on explosive stellar phenomena, particularly nova outbursts in binary systems. He combines multi-wavelength observations with hydrodynamic simulations to study ejecta dynamics and remnant evolution. His SETI research uses radio telescopes to search for technosignatures.

Honored with the Kelvin Medal for public engagement, he co-founded the bluedot science-music festival and contributed to Jodrell Bank's UNESCO World Heritage designation. Recent work includes VLBI imaging of nova outflows and studies of recurrent nova remnants.