Prof Jonathan Rawlings
Professor of Astrophysics
Dept of Physics & Astronomy
Faculty of Maths & Physical Sciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Oct 1994
Research summary
My research interests cover a wide range of theoretical and observational topics in molecular astrophysics, but are largely centred on the study of stellar outflows and protostellar inflows. Major areas of activity include: molecule and dust formation (and evolution) in the ejecta of novae and other strongly irradiated circumstellar environments, the chemistry of excited state atomic/molecular species, and low mass star-forming regions, with a special interest in the earliest stages of protostellar infall.
Education
- University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1986
- University of Sussex
- Other higher degree, Master of Science | 1983
- University of Cambridge
- Other higher degree, Master of Arts (Hons) | 1982
Biography
I was an undergraduate at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge where I gained a BA in Natural Sciences (Physics) in 1982. I obtained an MSc in Astronomy from the University of Sussex in 1983 and a PhD in Molecular Astrophysics from UMIST in 1986. I spent a further three years at UMIST as a SERC Postdoctoral Research Assistant (1986-89) and was a Research Assistant at the Max Planck Institute, Munich, in 1990. I then held a SERC Research Fellowship at Oxford (1990-2) before returning to UMIST as a Research Associate/Temporary Lecturer (1992-4). I took up a Lectureship at UCL in 1994, was promoted to Reader in 2001 and Professor in 2006. I have served on several PPARC/IAU/RSC committees etc.