Armagh astronomer secures grant to investigate how first stars lit up universe
Professor Jorick Vink of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has received a 2 million euro ERC Advanced Grant to study the origins of the universe's first stars. The project aims to understand how these massive stars ended the 'Cosmic Dark Ages' and influenced the chemical composition of the universe.
Why it matters
Fundamental research into the early universe expands human knowledge of astrophysics and the origins of life-sustaining elements.
An astronomer based at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has been awarded funding of 2 million to investigate how the first stars in the universe "switched on the lights" following the Big Bang.
Professor Jorick Vink said the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant has the potential to be "transformational" both for the observatory and for research worldwide.
The funding will create up to eight new research positions at AOP over the course of the project.
The Advanced Grants give senior researchers the opportunity to pursue ambitious projects that could lead to major scientific breakthroughs as part of the EU's Horizon Europe programme.
Professor Vink, who has recently been appointed vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society, said receiving the funding was the "pinnacle of my career".
He added: "I've been successful in getting grants before but none like this one - this is very prestigious."
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