Susanne Höfner Awarded ERC Advanced Grant
Susanne Höfner, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics, is awarded the ERC Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for the project EXWINGS.
A total of 185 researchers with 26 different nationalities get to share 450 million Euro to be awarded within the 2019 round of ERC Advanced Grants. The grants are a part of the research and innovation program Horizon 2020. From Uppsala University two researchers are awarded the ERC Advanced Grants; Susanne Höfner, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Johan Elf, Professor of Physical Biology. Most grants were awarded to Germany (35), Great Britain (34) and France (21). A total of six grants go to Swedish Universities.
Susanne Höfner, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
Winds from Red Giant Stars
Susanne Höfner, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics, receives 2 456 383 Euro (around 27 million SEK) to the project EXWINGS (EXplaining the WINds of cool Giant and Supergiant stars with global 3D models). In the project, winds from red giant stars and super giants will be explained with new global 3D computer simulations.
“We will produce a new type of models: global dynamical star-and-wind-in-a-box simulations. For the first time, it will be possible to follow the flow of matter, in full 3D geometry, all the way from the turbulent, pulsating interior of a cool giant, through its atmosphere and dust formation zone in to the region where the wind is accelerated. Extending our unique approach to the warmer, more luminous red supergiant stars, we will explore which mechanisms drive their still enigmatic winds”, says Susanne Höfner.
The results of project EXWINGS will contribute to understanding stellar and galactic chemical evolution, and tracing the origin of building blocks for terrestrial planets.
“We can test our new models against the latest observations and produce results which may be used directly in research on the evolution of stars”, says Susanne Höfner.
Facts ERC Grants
- Every year, the European Research Council (ERC) selects and finances the best, most creative researchers of all nationalities and ages to run projects based in Europe. The ERC offers four central grant schemes: Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy Grants.
- The ERC Advanced Grant is awarded well established top researchers who are scientifically independent and whose research results show that they are leading within their field of research.
Annica Hulth