About
I am Project Scientist for the UK Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) Programme and International Program Coordinator for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. I conduct independent research on galaxies at all redshifts. Until recently, I was co-chair of Rubin's Strong Lensing Science Collaboration. I am also a member of the LSST:UK Science Working Group and member of the Executive Group for the UK involvement in LSST.
My research is centred on understanding of the complex processes of galaxy formation and evolution using multi-wavelength data. Current research projects include: physical properties of z>3-6 starburst galaxies (Lyman-break galaxies); low-metallicity starbursts as analogues to high-z LBGs; the starburst-AGN connection in and properties of infrared and sub-mm luminous galaxies; dynamics of z~1 hyper-luminous infrared galaxies and z~2-3 star-forming galaxies; kinematics of powerful z~1 radio galaxies; discovery & follow-up of gravitational lenses selected in the optical and the sub-mm. I am co-founder of the citizen science project to find gravitational lenses Space Warps.
I obtained my PhD from at Imperial College, and was formerly junior science staff in the IR-mm Group at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics before moving to the Sub-department of Astrophysics at Oxford. I have had the privilege to work on leading space- and ground-based telescopes and analyse the data coming from them to better understand our Universe. I have previously chaired the UK Optical and Near-Infrared Users Group as well as being a member and advisor to telescope allocations committees. I am currently also a member of STFC's Astronomy Advisory Panel.
I am a keen supporter and advocate for equality and inclusion. I am member of the Physics Equality & Diversity and the Women in Physics committees. I am currently an EDI Fellow of the MPLS division. I have been an invited speaker or panellist to various equality and inclusivity events and initiatives.
I enjoy giving public talks and have co-ordinated and participated in a wide range of public outreach events. Please see the outreach tab for more information.
Follow me on Twitter: @aprajitaverma