Recent News Summary

General News/UKSP Business

Nuggets

Meetings/Workshops/Summer Schools

Jobs/Studentships

General News/UKSP Business

  • Please nominate potential candidates for the upcoming Prizes
    European Solar Physics Division (ESPD) 2023 Prizes
    • The 2023 ESPD Patricia Edwin PhD Thesis Prize will be awarded to a young researcher whose PhD thesis/viva was defended in 2022.
    • The 2023 ESPD Giancarlo Noci Early Career Prize will be awarded to a young researcher whose PhD was awarded after 01/01/2019 (with possible extension).
    • ESPD Kees Zwaan Inspirational Community Prize will be awarded, with the aim of recognising researchers/technicians/organisations/groups whose contribution goes beyond scientific research in the field of Solar Physics.
    The deadline for nominations is February 5th, 2023. More info is here: https://www.eps.org/members/group_content_view.asp?group=85203&id=641304 — Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)-Thesis Prizes The deadline for nominations is January 31st, 2023.
  • Publication Solar System and Astronomy Roadmaps 2022
    The Astronomy and Solar System Advisory Panels have now finalised their updated Roadmaps which can be found at: SSAP – https://www.ukri.org/publications/ssap-roadmap-for-solar-system-research-2022/ AAP – https://www.ukri.org/publications/stfc-astronomy-advisory-roadmap-2022/ The Advisory Panels would like to thank the community for their engagement and input to the Roadmaps. On behalf of the Advisory Panels Stephen (AAP) and Ineke (SSAP)
  • STFC External Innovations Showcase Event, Wednesday 1st March 2023, Royal College of Physicians, Central London
    Save the Date – STFC External Innovations Showcase Join us at an in-person event in London to hear about our exciting funding plans for the next two years:
    • launching our new leading-edge ‘Late-Stage Research and Development Scheme’ joint with Innovate UK, to progress ideas from the STFC Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics (PPAN) community towards market readiness – Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-7;
    • launching the next round of our ‘Early-Stage Research and Development Scheme’ to support research and development in the PPAN community TRL 1-5;
    • announcing our plans for the STFC Horizons Programme with a new call with a focus on Net Zero;
    • sharing our plans for the STFC Cluster funding awards based at our world leading facilities in the UK; and
    • giving details of a new Industry Engagement Fund which builds on the success of the Bridging for Innovators (B4I) scheme and will see industry work with our world class facilities and expertise to support industrial challenges.
    The showcase event will highlight these opportunities and give you an opportunity to network and ask questions. The event is free to attend, and we would be delighted to see you there. Secure a place through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/innovation-showcase-event-tickets-445247696847
  • Reminder – Tenth call for PROBA2 Guest Investigators
    The tenth call for PROBA2 Guest Investigators is open. Selected proposers will be invited to spend a few weeks with the SWAP and LYRA PI teams to obtain expert knowledge on the instruments. Find more details on https://proba2.sidc.be/TenthGICall. Submission deadline: 31 January 2023.
  • Change of Institution – David Long
    Dear Colleagues, I have recently moved to Queen’s University Belfast, where I will be continuing my position as STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellow. Please find my new contact details below: Email: d.long[at]qub.ac.uk Postal Address: Astrophysics Research Centre Queen’s University Belfast University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN

Nuggets

Meetings/Workshops/Summer Schools

  • Abstract Submission Deadline Approaching for Machine Learning and Computer Vision in Heliophysics 2023
    Abstract submission deadline is approaching for the International Workshop on Machine Learning and Computer Vision in Heliophysics – April 19-21, 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria and online. Submit your abstract by February 1, 2023 at https://mch23.astro.bas.bg The conference will focus on applications of Computer Vision and Machine / Deep Learning techniques to heliophysics research and forecasting frameworks, as well on the integration of these techniques into modelling efforts of solar and heliospheric phenomena. Topics to be covered:
    • Computer Vision and Machine Learning applications in heliophysics, including:
      • Solar magnetism
      • Solar activity (flares, CMEs, particles)
      • Solar wind
      • Space weather and space climate
    • Heliospheric radio emissions
    • Computer Vision and Machine Learning techniques
    • Explainable Machine Learning
    • Physics-informed networks
    • Open source tools for CV and ML
    Scientific Organising Committee: Kamen Kozarev (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) Manolis Georgoulis (Academy of Athens) Astrid Veronig (Graz University) Shane Maloney (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies) Long Xu (Chinese Academy of Sciences) Pietro Zucca (ASTRON, The Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy) For more information, visit the conference website: https://mch23.astro.bas.bg,
  • **Spring MIST abstract deadline (Monday 30th Jan)**
    ***Reminder: Spring MIST abstract deadline Monday 30th Jan*** Dear UKSP Community, We are excited to announce the upcoming Spring MIST meeting, taking place at the University of Birmingham from April 3rd to 5th. With eight sessions dedicated to MIST science this is an excellent opportunity to see the truly excellent and world-class research being done across the UK. Included in the registration we will also have a Poster Session and Drinks Reception, a Conference Banquet held at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens and, after a Covid-induced break, the Spring MIST Football Tournament will also be back. There are two registration options: with or without B&B accommodation. All tickets include: • Registration for all 3 days of the conference • Hot lunch on each day of the conference (Mon, Tue, Wed) • Tea/Coffee breaks with pastries • Poster session (with drink included) • Conference Banquet (Tuesday night) The accommodation option includes B&B at the venue (Edgbaston Park Hotel, University of Birmingham) on the Monday and Tuesday night. The price is £350 for registration with accommodation and £200 for just registration (no accommodation). Abstract submissions closes on January 30th and Registration closes on February 20th (please register as early as possible to help with the logistic planning!). All the details, links to submit abstracts and register are available here: https://spaceweather.bham.ac.uk/conference/spring-mist-2023/ We look forward to seeing you at Spring MIST 2023! Best wishes, Oliver Allanson (now at UoBirmingham), and on behalf of the … … Spring MIST 2023 Organising Committee University of Birmingham mist2023@contacts.bham.ac.uk https://spaceweather.bham.ac.uk/conference/spring-mist-2023/
  • Reminder NAM 2023 – Proposal for Sessions Deadline 31st January 2023 17:00
    The Royal Astronomical Society’s 2023 National Astronomy Meeting (NAM 2023) will be held at Cardiff University from Monday 3rd July to Friday 7th July. In addition to the UK’s astronomy community, the meeting includes the UK Solar Physics (UKSP) community, and participation from the Magnetosphere Ionosphere and Solar-Terrestrial (MIST) community. The call for session proposals is now open. We encourage members of the Astronomy, UKSP and MIST community from all levels of seniority to apply for specialist and cross-disciplinary scientific presentation and discussion sessions. As well as hosting parallel sessions of varying duration, the conference may host collaborative meetings, workshops and lunch sessions. The applicants of any successful proposals will be expected to take on the role of scientific organisers of the session. We also encourage proposals for dedicated sessions on issues relevant to the UK astronomical community, such as sustainability, engagement, diversity and inclusion. For the first time at NAM2023, we are also providing the opportunity for the community to apply for longer two-day “key sessions”, which allow for more in-depth coverage of exciting areas. At NAM2023 these sessions will have the theme of “Origins”, interpreted broadly. If you wish your session proposal to be considered for a key session slot simply indicate this in the submission form below. We are currently planning for a hybrid meeting, in which a large number of participants attend in person, but with the opportunity for remote participation for additional delegates. Session conveners should consider any implications for their proposals. The health and safety of NAM 2023 delegates is of the utmost importance to us, and we will be monitoring ongoing global developments due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Proposals should be submitted on-line here: https://nam2023.org/science/session-proposals The deadline for submitting proposals for sessions is Tuesday 31st Jan 2023 at 17:00 UTC. For information or queries about NAM 2023 please contact the organisers on NAM2023@cardiff.ac.uk. For the meeting code of conduct please click here: https://nam2023.org/nam2023/code-of-conduct Best wishes, Dr Timothy A. Davis (he/him) Chair of the SOC, Cardiff University
  • SOLARNET Summer School ‘Solar atmospheric dynamics – From waves to instabilities and jets’ at GSO (Gyula), Hungary
    Dear Colleagues, The dates for the next SOLARNET Summer School ‘Solar atmospheric dynamics – From waves to instabilities and jets’ to be held between June 25 –30, 2023 at GSO (Gyula Bay Zoltan Solar Observatory) Gyula, Hungary is now announced. The aim of this School is to update early-stage researchers (e.g. PhD students and PDRAs) on the latest advances made in observations, theory and numerical modelling of solar atmospheric dynamics. With the availability yielded by new instrument suits both in space and on the ground, solar theory is now more challenging to explore solar magnetism from the photosphere to the low corona at yet unforeseen small spatial, temporal and spectral scales. During the School, on-site practice of taking daily solar synoptic data and their analysis will also be carried out at the Gyula Bay Zoltan Solar Observatory (GSO) with their Solar Activity Magnetic Monitor (SAMM) magneto-optical filter (MOF, http://hspf.eu/telescope.html) facility in order to offer the students a direct and real experience of working with solar data. Accommodation for selected participants will be fully covered by the School. Preliminary information is available at: https://solarnet-project.eu/solar-atmospheric-dynamics Please, pencil in the dates in your diary, if interested to attend. SOLARNET, including the current School, has received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824135. Contact: Robertus Erdelyi (U of Sheffield), Email: robertus@sheffield.ac.uk
  • [Plasmas – Les Houches 2023] Doctoral Training School, May 1 – 12, 2023: DEADLINE JAN 20th
    Applications are closing soon (January 20th) for the 2023 doctoral training school on “Plasmas in extreme environments: from astrophysics to the laboratory” that will take place from May 1st to May 12, 2023, in Les Houches, France. This doctoral training is the 6th session in a series organized at l’Ecole de Physique des Houches since 2011. It is intended as an 11 day long doctoral training program on plasma physics. It will cover the basics of the theory and simulation of plasmas. Space, astrophysical as well as laboratory plasmas will be considered with a special emphasis on the timely topic of plasmas under extreme conditions as found e.g. in the interior of planets, in the most violent astrophysical environments, or created using extreme-light lasers. The school is intended for PhD students, highly motivated Master students and young postdocs. All information on the school and how to apply can be found here: https://web.luli.polytechnique.fr/PlasmaLesHouches2023/. Looking forward to seeing you! The organizing committee.

Jobs/Studentships

  • Two Postdoc positions in space science at KULeuven (Belgium)
    The Centre for mathematical Plasma Astrophysics of KULeuven has two openings for postdoc positions in the field of space science and space weather. The first position is for developing machine learning methods to analyse observational data to make nowcasting and forecasting of space weather events. This position is funded by the new Belgian DEFRA project AIDefSpace. Link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60187045 The second position is for the development and use of physics-based methods of computer simulation of processes in space (reconnection, shocks, turbulence and more). This position is funded by the new Horizon 2020 HPCEuropa project SPACE. Link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60174384 Please follow the links above for more information and to apply.
  • Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader in Solar and/or Magnetospheric Theory (School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews)
    https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6659/0/374685/889/lecturer-senior-lecturer-reader-in-solar-and-or-magnetospheric-theory-ac2326rnb Closing date: 28 February 2023 The University of St Andrews is seeking to enhance its teaching and research strengths in Solar and Magnetospheric Theory by appointing to Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Reader level, within our Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group (SMTG), in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The successful candidate will be a scholar with a growing international research reputation and commitment to delivering high quality teaching. We welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in Applied Mathematics or a cognate discipline, and have a track record of high quality research and publications in Solar or Magnetospheric Theory, or a related area compatible with the group’s research interests. For applicants to be considered for a Senior Lecturer or Reader level appointment, we would expect in addition that they can demonstrate a suitable combination of success in attracting external funding, research leadership at national and international level, and experience with successfully carrying out administrative duties. Although all areas of solar and magnetospheric theory will be considered, we are particularly interested in applications that would enhance or complement the research group’s current areas of expertise, for example in the theory of “space weather”. Candidates should also have teaching experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level, have experience applying relevant analytical skills and teaching techniques to a wide range of learners, and have good communication skills and share our desire to educate and inform students. Experience in curriculum development in applied mathematics or in similar disciplines will be an advantage, as will demonstrable ability to work in a team. The SMTG conducts cutting-edge research on a wide variety of solar and magnetospheric phenomena, ranging from magnetic flux emergence through the solar surface, over the dynamic interaction between the coronal plasma and magnetic field leading to coronal heating and solar activity processes, to the effect these activity processes have on the magnetosphere of the Earth (“space weather”). Many of our theoretical models of solar and magnetospheric plasma systems are data-driven, but we are also interested in fundamental plasma processes underpinning these models, for example MHD and kinetic plasma equilibria, MHD waves and instabilities, magnetic reconnection, magnetic topology and helicity, and particle acceleration. Due to the highly nonlinear nature of the mathematical problems we study, a large part of our research work is based on computational methods, and we are particularly interested in applications that would complement and enhance our expertise in numerical and computational methods relevant for the research area of our group. As a research and teaching position, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of teaching modules in applied mathematics that may be at a range of levels from first year undergraduate to specialised Honours level modules in Applied Mathematics. They will also supervise final-year undergraduate projects, and will have the opportunity to supervise PhD students. For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact either the Head of the Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group, Professor Thomas Neukirch (tn3@st-andrews.ac.uk), Head of School, Professor Mark Chaplain (mathshos@st-andrews.ac.uk), or the AVP Dean of Science and Professor in Applied Mathematics, Professor Ineke De Moortel (ineke.demoortel@st-andrews.ac.uk). We are fully committed to equality and diversity in our recruitment and employment policies. We operate family-friendly hours for core meetings and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for staff. Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in Academic posts at the University. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/. The School of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that supports equality of opportunity and fair and equal representation for all https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/mathematics-statistics/about/equality-diversity/. For full details and to apply please visit https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6659/0/374685/889/lecturer-senior-lecturer-reader-in-solar-and-or-magnetospheric-theory-ac2326rnb Closing Date: 28 February 2023
  • Lectureship position at University of Glasgow
    The School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Glasgow is hiring a Lecturer in Physics & Astronomy on a Learning, Teaching and Scholarship track. This is a 3-year post at Grade 7 or Grade 8, depending on the knowledge, qualifications, skills and experience of the applicant. The closing date for application is 13 February 2023 (Vacancy ref number 106508). The job purpose is to contribute to the delivery of an excellent student experience by delivering, organising and reviewing teaching, assessment and administration processes associated with undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and to undertake scholarship to enhance learning and teaching in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Candidates with knowledge or qualifications in solar physics are particularly encouraged to apply. For informal enquiries please contact Nicolas Labrosse (Nicolas.Labrosse@glasgow.ac.uk) or Lyndsay Fletcher (Lyndsay.Fletcher@glasgow.ac.uk). To apply go to https://my.corehr.com/pls/uogrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=106508
  • Funded PhD positions in Solar System Science at Aberystwyth University
    Aberystwyth University’s Physics Department is seeking high-quality candidates for 3-yr-funded PhD projects in the field of Solar System Physics. The group has particular strengths in modelling and observational analysis of the solar atmosphere/solar wind, space weather forecasting, and instrument development for space missions. Our recent work concentrates on the development of novel data analysis techniques for solar atmospheric images, ground-based spectropolarimetric analysis of the quiescent and flaring corona, space weather studies and forecasting (including machine learning), advanced numerical modelling of coronal structures, and lunar surface impactors. We develop new instrumentation for solar and planetary applications, and particularly welcome applications in this field for the 2023 round. Applications are due by May 31st 2023 for a September 2023 start. Applicants should follow the instructions at https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/study-with-us/pg-studies/apply/ . Informal enquiries are welcome, and we encourage potential applicants to talk to relevant members of staff. To discuss ideas for projects, please contact Prof Huw Morgan in the first instance by email: hmorgan@aber.ac.uk.
  • Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader in Solar and/or Magnetospheric Theory
    The University of St Andrews is seeking to enhance its teaching and research strengths in Solar and Magnetospheric Theory by appointing to Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader level, within our Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group (SMTG), in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The successful candidate will be a scholar with a growing international research reputation and commitment to delivering high quality teaching. https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6659/0/374685/889/lecturer-senior-lecturer-reader-in-solar-and-or-magnetospheric-theory-ac2326rnb We welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in Applied Mathematics or a cognate discipline, and have a track record of high quality research and publications in Solar or Magnetospheric Theory, or a related area compatible with the group’s research interests. For applicants to be considered for a Senior Lecturer or Reader level appointment, we would expect in addition that they can demonstrate a suitable combination of success in attracting external funding, research leadership at national and international level, and experience with successfully carrying out administrative duties. Although all areas of solar and magnetospheric theory will be considered, we are particularly interested in applications that would enhance or complement the research group’s current areas of expertise, for example in the theory of “space weather”. Candidates should also have teaching experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level, have experience applying relevant analytical skills and teaching techniques to a wide range of learners, and have good communication skills and share our desire to educate and inform students. Experience in curriculum development in applied mathematics or in similar disciplines will be an advantage, as will demonstrable ability to work in a team. The SMTG conducts cutting-edge research on a wide variety of solar and magnetospheric phenomena, ranging from magnetic flux emergence through the solar surface, over the dynamic interaction between the coronal plasma and magnetic field leading to coronal heating and solar activity processes, to the effect these activity processes have on the magnetosphere of the Earth (“space weather”). Many of our theoretical models of solar and magnetospheric plasma systems are data-driven, but we are also interested in fundamental plasma processes underpinning these models, for example MHD and kinetic plasma equilibria, MHD waves and instabilities, magnetic reconnection, magnetic topology and helicity, and particle acceleration. Due to the highly nonlinear nature of the mathematical problems we study, a large part of our research work is based on computational methods, and we are particularly interested in applications that would complement and enhance our expertise in numerical and computational methods relevant for the research area of our group. As a research and teaching position, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of teaching modules in applied mathematics that may be at a range of levels from first year undergraduate to specialised Honours level modules in Applied Mathematics. They will also supervise final-year undergraduate projects, and will have the opportunity to supervise PhD students. *Appointment at Grade 8 Senior Lecturer / Reader level (salary range: £54,949 – £61,823 pa) will be considered for candidates with more experience/knowledge of the area with the job description to be amended accordingly. For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact the Head of School, Professor Mark Chaplain (mathshos@st-andrews.ac.uk); Head of the Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group, Professor Thomas Neukirch (tn3@st-andrews.ac.uk); or the AVP Dean of Science and Professor in Applied Mathematics, Professor Ineke De Moortel (ineke.demoortel@st-andrews.ac.uk). We are fully committed to equality and diversity in our recruitment and employment policies. We operate family-friendly hours for core meetings and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for staff. Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in Academic posts at the University. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/. The School of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that supports equality of opportunity and fair and equal representation for all https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/mathematics-statistics/about/equality-diversity/. Closing Date: 28 February 2023 Please quote ref: AC2326RNB