Speaker profile
Prof. Derek Ward-Thompson
Available for booking
Summary
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson is an internationally recognised astrophysicist and renowned for engaging talks on star formation, black holes and the latest discoveries in modern astronomy.
Full biography
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson is an internationally recognised astrophysicist whose talks explore some of the most fascinating questions in modern astronomy, from how stars and planets are born to the mysteries of black holes and the evolution of our Universe. Drawing on decades of research and teaching, he has a talent for explaining cutting-edge astrophysics in a clear, engaging and accessible way, making his presentations equally enjoyable for astronomy societies, students and anyone with an interest in the night sky.
As a member of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, Derek was part of the international team that produced the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019. His research focuses on star and planet formation, interstellar magnetic fields and the environments surrounding black holes, allowing him to offer audiences a unique insight into some of the most exciting areas of current astronomical research. Whether discussing the birth of stars, the search for other worlds or the science behind black holes, his talks combine the latest discoveries with the stories behind them.
Derek has held research and teaching positions at Cambridge University, the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Cardiff University and the University of Central Lancashire, where he served as Director of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and later Head of the School of Natural Sciences. He is also the author of the award-winning textbook *An Introduction to Star Formation*, recognised internationally as a leading introduction to the subject.
Combining world-class research with a lifelong passion for teaching and public engagement, Derek's talks offer audiences the opportunity to hear directly from a scientist at the forefront of astrophysics and to discover how new observations are transforming our understanding of the Universe.
