A new look at the skyFreigeist Fellowship for Dr. Caroline Heneka

20 May 2022

Photo: private

For the research project “Changing the way we look at the sky – computer vision astrophysics”, Quantum Universe Postdoc Dr. Caroline Heneka receives a Freigeist Fellowship by the Volkswagen Foundation.

How did our Universe look like more than 12 billion years ago when the very first galaxies formed? To tackle this early cosmic epoch, Quantum Universe Postdoc Dr. Caroline Heneka receives around 1.1 million euro by the Volkswagen Foundation to start a new research group at Universität Heidelberg. Her research will connect modern machine learning methods and artificial intelligence with large-scale intensity mapping measurements at multiple wavelengths, or colors. The primary goal of Caroline Heneka’s project is an integrated understanding of astrophysical processes and cosmology at play during these early epochs of our Universe, leading to ‘computer vision astrophysics’ as a novel way to look at the (astronomical) sky.

“This project would not be possible without the foundation laid during my research within the Excellence Cluster Quantum Universe, and especially its Platform for Challenges in Data Science”, says Caroline Heneka. The platform connects cutting-edge astrophysical research at Hamburg Observatory with data-driven challenges, most prominently in particle physics. Besides this close interdisciplinary exchange, the research landscape between Universität Hamburg, Quantum Universe and the Observatory also guaranteed access to modern computational resources required for data-driven science and supported Dr. Heneka through comprehensive mentoring.

With the Freigeist Fellowship, the Volkswagen Foundation supports young researchers with a creative mind who are able to open up new horizons and combine critical analysis with imagination and innovative solutions.