Astrophysical Plasmas

The Group of Astrophysical Plasmas (GAP) focuses on the study of the plasma processes that shape high-energy astrophysical environments—such as those found in supernovae, black hole and neutron star magnetospheres and relativistic jets. Our aim is to advance the knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms governing plasma dynamics, nonthermal particle acceleration and radiation emission in the universe by combining theory, computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and observations.

Our mission is to establish a leading group internationally for the study of astrophysical plasmas and laboratory astrophysics, attracting outstanding students and researchers, and providing advanced training in a collaborative, multidisciplinary and intellectually stimulating environment.

Group Leader: Frederico Fiuza

Objectives

  • Conduct frontier research in the theory and simulation of plasmas in astrophysical environments, including extreme regimes of pressure, turbulence, magnetic fields, radiation, and particle acceleration;
  • Promote laboratory astrophysics as a complementary tool for studying astrophysical phenomena, driving new platforms in leading international experimental facilities;
  • Develop and apply next-generation multiscale numerical tools—including the use of machine learning—capable of efficiently capturing the dominant plasma processes in astrophysical regimes, promoting the simultaneous advancement of computational modeling and physical understanding of these complex systems;
  • Build bridges between astronomical observations, plasma theory, numerical simulation, and laboratory experiments, promoting an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the study of cosmic plasmas;

Contacts

Frederico Fiuza, Group Leader:

  frederico.fiuza at tecnico.ulisboa.pt