Biography:
Catherine Heymans FRSE is a renowned British astrophysicist who has made significant contributions to the field of cosmology. She currently holds the esteemed title of Astronomer Royal for Scotland and serves as a professor at the University of Edinburgh, based at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh. Born and raised in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Heymans’ passion for astronomy was ignited at a young age.
Heymans pursued her education at Hitchin Girls’ School, where she excelled academically. In 2000, she obtained a first-class Master of Physics (MPhys) degree from the University of Edinburgh, laying the foundation for her future achievements in the field. Continuing her academic journey, Heymans embarked on a doctoral program at the University of Oxford, under the guidance of Lance Miller. Collaborating with Alan Heavens, her research focused on gravitational lensing, earning her a Ph.D. in 2003.
Throughout her career, Heymans has held esteemed positions at various prestigious institutions. She secured fellowships at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, the University of British Columbia, the Institut d’astrophysique de Paris, and the University of Edinburgh. In recognition of her exceptional research, she was awarded a starting grant from the European Research Council (ERC) in 2009, propelling her into a position as a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.
Heymans is widely acclaimed for her groundbreaking work in cosmic weak gravitational lensing. By utilizing this technique, she has gained profound insights into the Universe, unraveling its mysteries. Her leadership in the Shear Testing Programme STEP1 competition and her co-leadership in the lensing collaboration of the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey: CFHTLenS showcase her invaluable contributions to the field.
Moreover, Heymans plays a crucial role in the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS) project of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Her exceptional achievements and dedication to her research were recognized in 2018 when she was presented with the prestigious Max Planck-Humboldt Research Award. This honor, bestowed jointly by the Max Planck Society and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, comes with a substantial research grant of €1.5 million. Harnessing these funds, Heymans aims to establish the German Centre for Cosmological Lensing at the Ruhr University Bochum.
Not only is Heymans a brilliant researcher, but she also actively contributes to the dissemination of scientific knowledge. She teaches a massive open online course (MOOC) called AstroTech: The Science and Technology Behind Astronomical Discovery on Coursera, inspiring and educating students worldwide. Her research endeavors have been consistently supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), highlighting the significance and impact of her work.
Awards and honors have adorned Heymans’ illustrious career. In 2017, she received the esteemed George Darwin Lectureship from the Royal Astronomical Society, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field. In 2018, her accomplishments were further acknowledged when she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). This prestigious fellowship solidifies her status as a respected and influential figure within the scientific community.
In May 2021, Heymans achieved another remarkable milestone as she became the first woman to be appointed as the Astronomer Royal for Scotland. This significant role solidifies her position as a trailblazer in the field and marks a momentous achievement for women in astronomy. Currently residing as the 11th person to hold this esteemed post, Heymans continues to inspire future generations of astronomers and scientists.
On a personal note, Heymans has a supportive partner and is a devoted mother to three children. Her partner has played a pivotal role in sharing the responsibilities of parenting, enabling Heymans to pursue her ambitious career. In March 2022, Heymans faced a significant challenge when she contracted Long COVID. Despite the ongoing struggles of this illness, she has displayed remarkable resilience, continuing her research activities in short, concentrated bursts.
Catherine Heymans is a true trailblazer and an inspiration in the field of astrophysics. Her invaluable contributions to our understanding of the Universe, as well as her dedication to promoting scientific knowledge and the inclusion of women in STEM, make her an exceptional figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– George Darwin Lectureship from the Royal Astronomical Society (2017)
– Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) (2018)
– Astronomer Royal for Scotland (2021)