Application to STFC for Consolidated Grant Support for the Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Centre (SP2RC) at The University of Sheffield

The Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Centre (SP2RC) at the University of Sheffield seeks to understand the nature of key plasma processes occurring in the near-solar surface, the atmosphere of the Sun from photosphere to corona, solar wind and magnetosphere with particular attention devoted to the various coupling mechanisms of these apparently distinct regions. A large part of the energy flux released in the solar atmosphere travels into interplanetary space and impacts on the Earth's bow shock, energising the magnetosphere and having impact of our daily human life. The generation of energetic events in the solar interior and near solar sub-surface region and their propagation through the solar interior-atmosphere-space plasma system into solar wind and magnetosphere driving Space Weather will be investigated by using mathematical and numerical modelling and the analysis of latest available satellite and ground-based datasets. Particular attention is paid to the wave coupling processes in this complex and very dynamic physical Sun-Earth system.

Our mathematical approach involves rigorous analytical work and the implementation of parallel computing (GRID and CUDA-enabled technology) where results will be tested and verified by making and using space (SOHO, TRACE, Hinode, SDO, IRIS, Cluster, THEMIS) and ground-based (Swedish Solar Telescope, Dunn Solar Telescope) observations. The proposed programme involves eight scientific projects: 1) The effect of fibril magnetic fields on the propagation of p-modes; 2) Kink wave energy transport and dissipation in the solar atmosphere; 3) 3D MHD wave forward modelling: Localised atmospheric waveguides and jets; 4) ROSA/IBIS classification study of MHD modes and their absolute/relative energy flux in the lower solar atmosphere ; 5) Advanced solar atmospheric MHD wave modelling; 6) Stochastic coronal global waves as means for global coronal seismology; 7) The formation, structure and evolution of collisionless shocks inside 1AU; and 8) Novel investigations of plasma waves in the inner magnetosphere. The programme also has a vibrant and vital Visiting Researchers project.

We request funding to cover salaries of the RAs, appropriate costs for research leadership/management and research time for the Principal Investigator and eight Co-Investigators, funding for two special project-related observational PhD studentship in order to train the future generation of experts in the field, funding for a modest but essential Visitor Researcher Programme, for travel & subsistence, computing equipment and consumables.

SP2RC's members are actively involved in creating and exchanging knowledge by means of their research. The members have different capabilities, skills and experiences - all of which are necessary for the success of the group as a whole and in disseminating its research activities by:
- Publishing scientific results in refereed journals;
- Presentations at national and international meetings and workshops;
- Delivering scientific seminars at national and international universities;
- Presentation of specialised courses at various Summer Schools;
- Developing an on-line resource based on our scientific results.

The ideas, methods and results of the members of SP2RC are routinely used by other academics and experts in the area of solar-terrestrial applications as well as other areas. Hence, SP2RC does not only create resources, it also willingly shares it.

Our research also had major societal impact (not just via numerous press-releases and press coverages from e.g. Yahoo.com to, American Weather Channel, CNN, BBC, etc) but also in the world of art and music. The dissemination of results is also carried out using "public" platform e.g.

-http://www.shef.ac.uk/maths/outreach
-http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/

Examples of research-related exhibitions, where SP2RC members participated, managed to attract thousands of members of the public:
- http://seefurtherfestival.org/exhibition/view/songs-stars-real-music-spheres;
- http://www.thecuriousmachine.com/HeliOscillator
- https://www.facebook.com/festivalofthemind

SP2RC members are continuously involved in public outreach through printed (national and international newspapers) and non-printed media channels (local, national and international radio stations, e.g., space.com, yahoo.com).

SP2RC has truly international character and important parts of knowledge transfer by SP2RC is also done through the top class training to its PhD students and RAs and collaborating with a large number of eminent international visitors with whom members have links.

Broadly speaking, the methods and techniques relevant to SP2RC research can be applied to some areas of industry, such as fusion reactors, tokamaks, pattern recognition, aviation, medical research etc. Whilst we are not directly working with any companies at present on the commercialisation of this research, it is hoped that, through the dissemination and outreach activities we are carrying out, applications for our knowledge could be found in industry.
The PI/Lead CoIs/CoIs will make sure that the results of their research will be made available openly through the usual channels (for example, visual/written media, public outreach events, publications in refereed journal and conference proceedings, etc.). SP2RC and its individual members will also continue to use their websites as a means to make their knowledge, expertise and results widely accessible.