Cosmologist Professor Andrew Pontzen has been appointed to the council of one of the UK’s main research funding bodies.
Andrew, based in our Department of Physics, joins the council of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
The STFC is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It supports research in astronomy, physics and space science, and operates world-class research facilities for the UK.
The STFC Council and Executive Board are jointly responsible for the development of the overall STFC strategic delivery plan.
The council also supports and challenges the Executive Chair to ensure the effective delivery of the STFC’s mission.
Joining the STFC Council is a huge honour. Its role is to help ensure the best possible use of the UK government’s investment in fundamental physics research, facilities and skills. I’m very much looking forward to getting started.
Andrew’s research focuses on cosmology, and especially the relationship between the visible universe of stars and galaxies and the invisible underpinnings known as dark matter and dark energy.
His work has been recognised widely, including by prizes from the Royal Astronomical Society.
Andrew is also an award-winning writer and communicator of science.
He has authored the popular science book The Universe In A Box and he has worked extensively with the BBC, Guardian, Times, New Scientist, Cheltenham Science Festival and the Royal Institution.
His science communications work includes being an advisor, contributor and presenter.
Andrew is also a member of the Royal Society’s Public Engagement Committee.
Professor Andrew Pontzen staff profile.
Andrew is a member of Durham University’s Institute for Computational Cosmology.
Our Department of Physics is ranked 88th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Visit our Physics webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
About the STFC and the STFC Council.
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