The Kavli Prize in Astrophysics was awarded to Conny Aerts in 2022 for her foundational contributions to asteroseismology, a field that examines stellar oscillations to reveal the internal physical structures of stars. Aerts specializes in using these precise seismic data to refine stellar evolution models, bridging the gap between theoretical calculations and observational evidence from space-based telescopes.
Academic Foundation
Born in 1966 in Brasschaat, Belgium, Aerts pursued studies in mathematics, earning bachelor and master degrees from the University of Antwerp. She completed her PhD at KU Leuven in 1993. Her early career included a research residency at the University of Delaware and a postdoctoral fellowship with the Fund for Scientific Research, which lasted until 2001. She transitioned into a lecturer role at KU Leuven in 2001, becoming an associate professor in 2004 and a full professor in 2007. She currently holds positions at both KU Leuven and Radboud University, where she leads the Chair in the Astroseismology group.
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Aerts utilizes Gaussian mixture classification to interpret oscillation data sourced from ground-based and satellite instruments, such as the CoRoT and NASA Kepler missions. Her research identifies non-rigid rotation patterns within giant stars and provides techniques for calculating stellar ages with high precision. Supported by European Research Council Advanced Grants for the PROSPERITY project in 2008 and the MAMSIE project in 2015, she serves as the Belgian principal investigator for the PLATO mission.
Recognition and Public Engagement
Aerts holds membership in the International Astronomical Union and the Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten. Her contributions to science have been acknowledged through several high-profile awards, including the Francqui Prize in 2012, the Kavli Prize in 2022, and the Crafoord Prize in Astronomy in 2024. The Belgian government appointed her a Commander of the Order of Leopold in 2016 and a Grand Officer in 2023. Beyond technical research, she serves as Vice-Dean of Communication and Outreach at KU Leuven, where she advocates for increased gender representation in physics and astronomy.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Brasschaat, Belgium
- Specialization: Asteroseismology
- Employer: KU Leuven, Radboud University
- Kavli Prize in Astrophysics: 2022
- Crafoord Prize in Astronomy: 2024
- Francqui Prize: 2012
- Asteroid 413033 Aerts: Named 2019
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Conny Aerts' research?
She specializes in asteroseismology, using stellar oscillations to map the internal rotation and age of stars.
Which major honors has she received?
Her awards include the Francqui Prize, the Kavli Prize in Astrophysics, and the Crafoord Prize in Astronomy.
Achievements
- Crafoord Prize in Astronomy — 2024
- Held posts at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Radboud University
- Educated at UCLouvain and University of Antwerp
- Fields of research: asteroseismology, astronomy and astrophysics
