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In this talk I would like to present the LEWIS project. Looking into the faintEst WIth MUSE (LEWIS) is an ESO large program, granted with 133.5hrs with MUSE @ESO-VLT., is the first homogeneous integral-field spectroscopic survey of 30 extremely low-surface-brightness (LSB) galaxies in the Hydra I cluster of galaxies, where the majority of LSB galaxies in the sample (22 in total) are ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs). Because of their LSB nature, getting spectroscopic data for UDGs is a challenging task. To date, as opposed to the availability of deep images, we still lack a statistically significant sample of UDGs with spectroscopy, which strongly limits our constraints and conclusions on their stellar populations and DM content. Doubling the number of spectroscopically studied UDGs, with the LEWIS project we will make a decisive impact in this field. With LEWIS we will map, for the first time, i) the 2D stellar kinematics, ii) the stellar population and iii) established the GC population and their specific frequency of a complete sample of UDGs in a galaxy cluster with IF spectroscopic data. The structural properties together with the baryonic versus DM fraction are used in comparison with hydrodynamical models of UDGs to establish their formation channels as a function of their location in the cluster. With LEWIS we are probing the MUSE capabilities to map the galaxy structure down to the faintest surface brightness levels.

• Speaker: Enrica Iodice
• Thursday 09 October 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Hoyle Lecture Theatre, Institute of Astronomy.
• Series: Institute of Astronomy Colloquia; organiser: Jan Scholtz.

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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 June 2027 in the first instance.

A research assistant/associate is sought to work on the development of efficient and highly resilient solar cells for space applications within the Department of Physics under the supervision of Prof. Louise Hirst.

In this role the successful candidate will develop new process methodologies to fabricate ultra-thin III-V photovoltaic devices in the state-of-the-art Cavendish Nanofabrication facility at the Ray Dolby Centre, the new home for Physics in Cambridge. This will include designing new process flows for the fabrication of high performance, larger area devices, resilient to the hostile conditions found in space environments, with a focus on uniformity and reproducibility.

They will use techniques including quantum efficiency, light and dark IV to characterise performance of fabricated devices and correlate with device and optical simulation to identify design limitations.

They will undertake particle radiation testing of devices and use space environment simulation tools to estimate performance for technologically important mission profiles.

The successful candidate will hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Physics or a closely related field with a proven track record in pursuing independent scientific investigation.

Preference will be given to candidates with specific experience in simulation, fabrication and characterization solar cells based on III-V material systems. A demonstrated ability to write reports, present results and contribute to academic papers and experience managing own workload are also desirable.

Proven organisational, communication and team working skills are also desirable.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter, in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Prof Louise Hirst (lh619@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference KA47366 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

How did galaxies start forming stars? What are the conditions in typical low-mass, star-forming galaxies at z8 and above? Recent observations with JWST indicate several critical puzzles in studies that address these questions. Chief among these, galaxies started forming stars early and possibly at an extraordinary rate and in more compact clumps than previously thought. I will present the latest results from the JWST Bullet Cluster observations, which we will use to measure the properties of dark matter. I will also show the discovery of a highly magnified z=11 lensed arc. The intrinsic luminosity of the galaxy is 0.05L*, making it the lowest luminosity spectroscopically confirmed galaxy at z>10 discovered to date. The galaxy contains three star-forming components with sizes of 10 remarkably compact globular-cluster-like clumps and spectroscopically confirmed Little Red Dots with strong AGN signatures. All these results allow the detailed studies of star formation at sub-10pc scales at the epoch of reionisation.

• Speaker: Prof. Maruša Bradač
• Thursday 16 October 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Hoyle Lecture Theatre, Institute of Astronomy.
• Series: Institute of Astronomy Colloquia; organiser: Jan Scholtz.

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The world-renowned Cavendish Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated student who enjoys working as part of a team to undertake a PhD in the NanoPhotonics Group (NP) led by Professor Jeremy J Baumberg, FRS (https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk/), as part of UK targeted collaboration on 3D Metamaterials.

Metamaterials provide emergent properties by combining nano-scale building blocks to elicit properties far beyond simple averaging over the component materials involved, instead giving exciting opportunities for new functionalities that are not found in natural materials. However there are very few examples of them being yet practical, because of the difficulty of realistic scale-up. Potential applications are for energy absorption and harvesting, mechanical intelligence, enhanced sensors, anti-fouling protection and much more.

Going beyond existing work using expensive fabrication of planar 2D metamaterials, this project explores routes to use nano-assembly to create 3D metamaterials, using a variety of building blocks from noble metal nanoparticles, to DNA nanostructures and precision colloidal architectures. We have previously explored many intriguing opportunities to make actively tuning metamaterials, such as incorporating electro-chromic or thermo-responsive molecules, and you would push this work into completely new areas. You would build new nano-optical rigs to probe their properties, as well as develop ways to manipulate and advance the nano-assembly processes. You would also be involved in scale-up on roll-to-roll pre-pilot kit, to explore applications for these advanced materials.

You would work as part of a larger team spread across a number of sites including Warwick and KCL London, who will provide different opportunities for you to develop the research. You would be also involved in the new UK Metamaterials Hub in which we are playing a leading role.

You would gain experience across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas including nano-assembly, optics, colloidal chemistry, and simulations across physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Applicants should have, or be expected to gain, a high (1st or 2:1) honours degree in Physics or Chemistry.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

For any enquiries about the project please e-mail Prof Jeremy J Baumberg (jjb12@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference KA47350 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Sophie Koudmani (Hertfordshire)
• Friday 30 January 2026, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Sophie Koudmani (Hertfordshire)
• Friday 30 January 2026, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Nikhil Sarin (KICC)
• Friday 10 October 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Chris Lovell (KICC)
• Friday 17 October 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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The Cavendish Laboratory is the home of the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge and 2025 marks the start of a new era for us as we moved into our brand new home, the Ray Dolby Centre. This state of the art facility is purpose-built for our world-leading research programmes and will provide National Facilities for all HEIs and commercial partners, sharing equipment and expertise.

The Department currently holds around 345 active research grants with a total value of £155 million and we are inviting applications for the role of Research Grants Administrator to join an expanding team at this very exciting time.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and enthusiastic and will be expected to develop a close working relationship with Principal Investigators and other departmental staff at all levels, and also the Research Operations Office to ensure smooth management of all processes and compliance with necessary regulations. You will join a small team who provide a comprehensive and efficient research grant management service to the Department, through every stage of the grant management process. You will be expected to support the audit process and help maximise future funding opportunities.

This is a varied post which requires excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, alongside the ability to prioritise and to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as well as a proactive approach to problem solving. You should also be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of Research Grants Administration with excellent IT skills.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Sarah Hedger, dda@phy.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA47315 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position available initially for 2 years within a joint EPSRC-NSF funded grant on Nanoscale spin entanglement and chemistry, 'NanoSPINEC'. Using nanophotonic cavities, the NanoSPINEC project aims to achieve the first room-temperature measurements of spin states at the single-molecule level, leveraging them to track the formation and decay of quantum correlations in exciton singlet fission (SF) and to establish the first chemical Bell inequalities through optically-detected magnetic resonance (ODMR).

The candidate will join a dynamic and diverse team that values collaboration. The role holder will develop new experiments and analysis and drive the NanoSPINEC project. The candidate will be supported by an exciting new collaboration spanning three areas of the Cavendish Laboratories: the NanoPhotonics Centre (Dr Rakesh Arul), the Optoelectronics Group (Rao), and the AMOP group (Gangloff). For recent work see np.phy.cam.ac.uk, rao.oe.phy.cam.ac.uk, and qeg.phy.cam.ac.uk/. The NSF partner on the US is the University of California San Diego (PI: Prof. Joel Yuen-Zhou), and the project will involve close collaboration and travel to theorist collaborators there.

Candidates will have, or be close to obtaining, a strong physics or chemistry PhD or a related discipline, with experience in measuring optical dynamics on the nanoscale and/or optically-detected magnetic resonance. In addition to proven experimental skills the candidate should ideally have experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. They should expect to be involved in both construction of new optical spectroscopy rigs using lasers as well as some sample preparation. Experience in the field of plasmonics or metamaterials or molecular emitters would be helpful, as well as with quantum control of nanoscale systems.

The UK NanoPhotonics Centre (http://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk) collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics of Medicine, Cancer Research UK, Chemical Engineering, Materials as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Dr Rakesh Arul (ra554@cam.ac.uk, further project details in photonicsarul.github.io).

Please quote reference KA47296 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The formation of massive galaxies in the first billion years of cosmic time is one of the most remarkable findings of Extragalactic Astronomy and challenges the predictions of galaxy formation models. Finding the right candidates is the first step towards understanding how such efficient galaxy formation could have happened at early cosmic time. Another, a priori completely different, high-z galaxy population whose formation is also very puzzling are the so-called ‘Little Red Dots (LRDs)’. Discovered almost by chance in JWST galaxy surveys, most of these objects appear to host overgrown super-massive black holes. An intriguing issue is how bright and extreme these objects could be. In the first part of this talk, I will present the results of our search of massive galaxy candidates at the end of the Epoch of Reionization using the first set of Euclid images over several tens of square degrees of the sky. I will also discuss the presence of massive galaxies in JWST surveys at similar redshifts and the coherence of all results in a common context. In the second part of my talk, I will present our results on the study of Euclid sources with double-power-law spectral energy distributions at z>4 in the COSMOS field, where the Euclid data has already a depth very similar to the final expected depth of the Euclid Deep Surveys. I will discuss the presence of scaled-up LRD candidates, identified based on their compactness, and their derived properties in comparison to those of classical JWST -selected LRDs. Finally, I will conclude by discussing whether LRDs could also eventually give rise to massive galaxy formation.

• Speaker: Karina Caputi (Groningen)
• Friday 21 November 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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The Centre for Doctoral Training in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NanoDTC) at the University of Cambridge invites applications for its 3.5-year interdisciplinary PhD programme. The programme combines hands-on training, cohort-based learning, and cutting-edge research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, startups, and beyond. We welcome applicants from the Physical Sciences, including Chemistry, Physics, Materials, and Engineering. Shortlisting is based on written applications (qualifications, aspirations, experience), with final selection via interview focusing on independent thinking.

Find out more here: Programme overview: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk/programme-overview/ How to apply: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk/apply/

About the programme Our 3.5-year PhD programme begins with a 6-month training period followed by a 3-year PhD. The training introduces students to the breadth of interdisciplinary nanoscience and supports their transition from learners to independent researchers. Teaching is hands-on and applied, with modules such as:

Applied Nanoscience, an introductory module covering core topics in Nanoscience research, experimental skills and data analysis through lab practicals;

Systems Integration for Experimentalists, which provides core training in electronics and hardware prototyping, commonly required in experimental research projects;

Two experimental research projects (Mini and Midi projects);

Sustainable Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which introduces students to identify and analyse innovation opportunities from commercial and societal perspectives, evaluate competitive landscapes, develop business cases and more.

At the 6-month point, students progress onto their interdisciplinary PhD research project, supervised jointly by two academics from two research groups. Usually, supervisors are based in the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Materials or another relevant department across the University. The Midi research project is typically linked closely to the intended PhD project so that students have a chance to get some experience in the prospective PhD lab before confirming their choice. Beyond core technical training and research, the programme emphasises a holistic approach to science that integrates sustainability and inclusivity across research, applications, entrepreneurship, and communication. Professional skills and cohort-building are fostered through cross-cohort events, including student-led conferences, research seminars, and career development workshops delivered by internal and external experts.

Students at the NanoDTC have the opportunity to pursue highly interdisciplinary research at the forefront of nanoscience. Broadly, research within the programme includes (but is not limited to):

Designer Nanomaterials - 1D/2D nanomaterials, DNA origami and bionanomaterials, self-assembled systems, hybrid nanomaterials, porous nanomaterials/MOFs;

Designer Nanofunctions - quantum, photophysical, electronic, ionic ¿ solid state/ biological, magnetic, plasmonic, optoelectronic, neuromorphic;

Scale-up and Systems - Nanomanufacturing, cellular manufacturing, sensors /actuators, bioelectronics, IoT, theranostics;

Frontiers in Nano-Metrology - in-situ nanometrology, electron microscopies, ultrafast photophysics, X-ray, THz, superresolution, modelling.

Further details including funding information is available at: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk/apply/

For entry in October 2026, applications will be considered at two internal review deadlines for shortlisting and interviews: First deadline: 2nd Dec 2025 Second deadline: 3rd Jan 2026 Early applications are strongly encouraged, as offers may be made after the First Deadline.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years in the first instance.

Please direct any queries to nanodtc.admin@phy.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA47271 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Madalina Tudorache (IoA)
• Friday 12 December 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Davide Tornotti (Milan)
• Friday 31 October 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Magnetic fields are ubiquitous across cosmic scales, yet their role in galaxy formation remains elusive. In this talk, I show that primordial magnetic fields, originating before the end of recombination, can amplify small perturbations, accelerating the collapse of the first dark matter halos. This results in an early onset and efficient star formation, consistent with JWST observations. However, primordial fields are not the only source of magnetization at high redshifts. Using RAMSES -RTMHD cosmological simulations, I compare the role of primordial fields and AGN -driven outflows in shaping the magnetic landscape of the high-redshift universe.

• Speaker: Mahsa Sanati (Oxford)
• Friday 14 November 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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The MPhil in Scientific Computing, based at the Department of Physics, is looking for a Course Administrator to help ensure the smooth running of this leading-edge postgraduate programme.

This is a dynamic role which will suit someone who enjoys variety, taking initiative and multi-tasking. Excellent communication and organisational skills, attention to detail and adaptability are some of the key qualities required for this role. Experience of working in the higher education sector, or having acquired transferrable skills which are relevant to this role, would be an advantage.

The Course Administrator will be involved, and at times lead on, a variety of tasks, including but not limited to; Coordinating admissions for the course, this includes keeping track of applications, arranging interviews, communicating with candidates and interviewers; Preparing and circulating forms and other documents, collating data on spreadsheets, creating reports; Communications with students and academic staff, this includes regular communications and reminders, as well as answering ad-hoc queries; Coordinating the set-up and payment of casual workers and academic collaborators; Provide support in managing the course budget, including producing financial reports and coordinating expense claims for students and visitors; Events administration, including scheduling and arranging catering; Other administrative tasks such as booking rooms, reporting incidents, ordering office supplies, etc.

The successful candidate will be part of a friendly and supportive team based at the Maxwell Centre, in the West Cambridge campus, and will be reporting to the MPhil Course Coordinator. We are open to candidates wishing to work full-time (36.5 hours per week) or part-time, with a minimum of 0.5 FTE (18.25 hours a week).

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements. Some flexibility from the candidate on the agreed working days and hours is required during certain times of the year, to provide support for examinations, seminars or other events. The dates for these will be communicated in advance, to ensure candidates are able to make arrangements where necessary. The role is initially offered as a one-year fixed term position; however, this may be extended, subject to funding.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Sam Selvini, Course Coordinator (srs53@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference KA47234 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge, is offering one or more Fellowships or Senior Fellowships in the areas of Cosmology and Astrophysics. Applicants must have a PhD in Astrophysics, or a related field, or have submitted their PhD thesis by the start date of the fellowship. We welcome applications from observers, instrumentalists and theorists with interests relevant to one or more of the following scientific themes of the Kavli Institute (see http://www.kicc.cam.ac.uk): the cosmic microwave background and the early Universe; the formation and evolution of galaxies and of supermassive black holes; the epoch of cosmic reionization; evolution of the intergalactic medium; the nature of dark matter; large-scale structure and precision cosmology; and gravitational waves. Successful applicants will be expected to build an independent research program but will have many opportunities for collaborative work with members of the Kavli Institute. They will disseminate their research findings through publications and presentations and contribute to the Institute's public-engagement activities. Successful applicants will have opportunities to assist with the supervision of graduate students. Salary will be either on the Research Associate scale (grade 7 £37,694 to £46,049) if appointed as Kavli Institute Fellow or, for exceptional and established researchers, on the Assistant Research Professor scale (grade 9 £47,389 to £59,966) if appointed as Kavli Institute Senior Fellow. A research allowance of £10,000 per annum will be provided. A generous relocation package will also be available. Further benefits of University employment are outlined at http://www.induction.admin.cam.ac.uk/.

Appointment as a Research Associate (grade 7) is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted their thesis but not yet been awarded their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (grade 5, from £34,610 to £35,608) and amended to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded.

The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from under-represented groups are particularly welcome. The University has several family-friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-carer scheme, childcare costs support, University workplace nurseries, University holiday play-schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family friendly environment for researchers, the Kavli Institute ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and short-listed candidates will be interviewed in December 2025. Appointees shall ideally start in October 2026, but alternative starting dates can be arranged with some flexibility.

To submit an application, please click on the link in the 'Apply online' section of the advert published on the University's Job Opportunities pages. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), cover letter, publications list and research statement (three A4 pages maximum, including references, in 11pt font) in the Upload section of the online application. The names and contact details of three academic referees are a necessary part of the submission. Referees will be contacted automatically following an application, but applicants are strongly advised to prepare nominated referees for the need to provide references by 26 October. Please note in your cover letter whether you wish to be considered for a Kavli Institute Fellowship or a Kavli Institute Senior Fellowship.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance, with the possibility of extending the term for two additional years (depending on funding) if appointed as Kavli Institute Senior Fellow.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to kavlisec@ast.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference KA47225 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Davide Tornotti (Milan)
• Friday 31 October 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Chris Lovell (KICC)
• Friday 10 October 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Lily Whitler (KICC)
• Friday 03 October 2025, 11:30-12:30
• Venue: Ryle Seminar Room, KICC + online.
• Series: Galaxies Discussion Group; organiser: Sandro Tacchella.

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