University of Sussex Astronomy Consolidated Grant 2020-2023

This proposal seeks funds to continue an extensive programme of research into extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology, by addressing some of the most pressing astronomical questions of our time, such as "What are the fundamental constituents of the Universe?", "What is the nature of inflation and dark energy, believed to drive accelerated expansion in the early and late universe", "What processes govern the formation of the largest objects and structure in our universe?, and "How do galaxies form and evolve"? We will do this by combining theoretical work, much of it using high-performance computers, with multi-wavelength observational surveys. We will apply advanced techniques for making numerical predictions, data analysis and modelling, and deploy our skills through a series of international projects.

The research consists of twelve varied but interconnected projects, each involving one or more faculty members and researchers, that can be collected into three broad themes: Early and late universe cosmology; Galaxy simulation and modelling; Galaxy and cluster observations and analysis:

Early and late universe cosmology: a series of projects will address theoretical predictions and observational constraints on inflation, dark energy and large scale structure. Our work encompasses both the development of theoretical frameworks and the analysis of cutting edge observational datasets (including the Simons Observatory, the Dark Energy Survey, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and the XMM-Newton Cluster Survey).

Galaxy simulation and modelling: we will use Peta-scale computing facilities to carry out detailed studies of the formation and evolution of the first structures, and make statistical predictions that can be used in the exploitation of current and upcoming observational facilities such as James Webb Space Telescope, the Euclid space observatory, LOFAR, ALMA, and the Square Kilometre Array.

Galaxy and cluster observations: we will make use of multi-wavelength observations to answer a variety of questions concerning the formation and evolution of galaxies. We will continue to exploit our involvement in the Dark Energy Survey, the Galaxy and Mass Assembly survey, LOFAR, Meerkat, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and the XMM-Newton Cluster Survey. In particular we will develop a new set of advanced tools with which to analyse observations from these projects as well as upcoming facilities such as the James Webb Space Telescope.

This project brings together scientists studying the early universe and galaxy evolution with the goal of (a) understanding the physics of the first seconds and minutes after the Big Bang when the seeds of today's galaxies formed and (b) following how these seeds grew over 13 billion years and, on even larger scales, assembled into galaxy clusters. The impact of our research is mainly academic, but we also have a proven track record of sharing the methods/technical expertise developed for it with industry and scientists from other disciplines, and engaging with the public to raise interest for our activities and inspire young people for STEM careers.

We have prioritised 3 key themes for impact. The most obvious beneficiaries are other academic researchers and we will strive to influence the agenda in our research domains. At Sussex Astronomy Centre we also have a particular passion for engaging the public in this frontier research and inspiring the next generation of STEM researchers. Further impact comes from the development and application of the data intensive skills and techniques we use and since the last consolidated grant we've expending considerable effort in enhancing that impact.

Academic: Our goal is to increase our leadership and influence on the field. We will do this by organising agenda setting meetings and taking/strengthening leadership roles in science projects.

Data Intensive Science: Our research activity equips our PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with the skills in Artificial Intelligence and the Data Economy that the UK has identified as vital e.g. through the UK's Industrial Strategy. Through the Data Intensive Science Centre at University of Sussex we aim to address challenges with significant impact in UK and globally. In the developing world e.g. using Earth Observations and climate models to help forecast drought in Kenya. Locally by using health records and other data to improve patient diagnosis. We will also use our wide engagement with local SMEs, large companies and charities and public sector organisations through our data intensive science centre for doctoral training DISCnet to enhance the uptake of data intensive science, machine-learning and artificial intelligence techniques in the local, regional and national economy and community.

Public Engagement: The members of the Astronomy Centre are passionate about inspiring the general public and creating strong interest in STEM in young people. We organise several Astronomy Master classes for secondary students every year with the assistance of the department's Outreach Officer (Dr Darren Baskill). We have hosted two STFC Public Engagement Fellows. Kathy Romer (2016-2018) and Stephen Wilkins (2018-2020). We have a strong record for developing imaginative public engagements with a number of STFC Public Engagement Awards. Most recently these include support (ST/S005846/1, PI Wilkins) for a new series of "Wonder Festivals" designed to engaged deprived communities across the South East with STEM disciplines, a programme ("Guide Stars", ST/S005838/1, PI Wilkins) aimed at engaging members of the Guiding community with astronomy and space science, and a programme to design innovative public engagement activities for the Webb Telescope (ST/R006040/1, PI Baskill). Wilkins also led a stand at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2018.