Towards a first-principles understanding of black hole accretion

The proposed STFC research funded research programme led by Reynolds will be in the area of relativistic high energy astrophysics models including models for black hole accretion disks on the context of supermassive black holes and accreting stellar mass black holes.

Building upon my 20 years of experience as a high-energy astrophysicist in the USA, Reynolds will build a world-class group of students and postdocs in Cambridge that explores all aspects of the astrophysics of black holes, with a focus on bridging theoretical work with the latest (and future) observational data. At the core of this effort is an understanding of the accretion process. This proposal seeks to fund a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) who specializes in theoretical and computational investigations of black hole accretion disks, thereby establishing the core of my group into which I can recruit the best and brightest PhD students. Continuing the approach that has guided my previous work, we will take a step-by-step approach that couples
large-scale computer simulations, analytic models of reduced systems, and the latest observational data.

The Institute of Astronomy ensures all students, postdocs and staff are actively involved both in delivering high value science, and also engaging and stimulating a variety of additional knowledge creation activities, focussing on public awareness, and on applications of research developments in medical, space-industry and commercial spheres.

The University of Cambridge has one of the most successful programmes for nurturing knowledge transfer and resulting economic and societal impact between University departments and industry both in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The extraordinarily successful Cambridge Science Park is well known, with expertise and ideas from Cambridge Astrophysics being involved in the establishment of several businesses in the Cambridge area.

The IoA's approach to the search for impact opportunities is embedded in the mechanisms that the University has in place to facilitate this. The University's Research Office provides the primary point of contact for corporate liaison, and is actively involved in pursuing impact and knowledge exchange activities and opportunities throughout the University. Cambridge Enterprise, the University's technology transfer and entrepreneurship arm, exists to enhance the University of Cambridge's contribution to society through knowledge transfer from the University to the community. The Institute of Astronomy members interact with these organisations regularly. Engagement with the wider economic community is supported
by a Collaborative Research Facilitator, based in the Cavendish Laboratory, who is able to provide advice on relevant networking and funding opportunities.

In summary, the research carried out at the IoA supported through this will lead to a wide range of impacts across a broad range of areas. From direct and specific impact in the application of analysis techniques to problems in the medical field, in the gaming industry, to inspirational outreach programmes engaging with those teaching the next generation of scientists.