Heidy will work with Prof. Paola Caselli on cutting-edge research in experimental and observational astrochemistry, strengthening ties between MPE and the KAIROS Research at the University of Kent.
The KAIROS Research group at the University of Kent is proud to announce that Dr. Heidy Quitián-Lara has joined the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), where she will collaborate with renowned astrophysicist Prof. Paola Caselli on experimental and observational astrochemistry. This exciting move not only marks a significant step in Heidy’s career but also strengthens the growing ties between Kent and one of the world’s leading astrophysics research institutions.
Prof. Caselli, a global authority in astrochemistry, has made pioneering contributions to our understanding of molecular processes in star-forming regions. Her illustrious career includes positions at Harvard, Berkeley, and the University of Leeds, where she served as Head of the Astrophysics Group. Since 2014, she has been a Director at MPE, where she leads groundbreaking research on the physical and chemical processes that govern the interstellar medium and planet formation.
The Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics has a rich history of scientific achievements, from the first maps of the gamma-ray sky to the detection of water molecules in space. Notably, MPE Director Reinhard Genzel was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. The institute’s state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary approach make it a hub for advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
Heidy’s expertise in astrochemistry, combined with MPE’s resources and leadership under Prof. Caselli, promises to yield transformative insights into the molecular origins of stars and planets. This collaboration also represents a significant opportunity to enhance connections between MPE and Kent, fostering further research and educational exchanges that will benefit both institutions.