Born: 1966 (Brasschaat, Belgium)
Biography:
Conny Clara Aerts, born on January 26, 1966, in Brasschaat, Belgium, is a Belgian (Flemish) professor in astrophysics. She is widely recognized for her specialization in asteroseismology, a field that studies the interior structure and dynamics of stars through their oscillations. Aerts is affiliated with KU Leuven and Radboud University, where she holds the Chair in the Astroseismology group.
Aerts’ journey in astrophysics began with a strong mathematical foundation. She completed her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Mathematics at the University of Antwerp. Her passion for astronomy led her to participate in the International Astronomical Youth Camp in 1987 and 1988. These experiences fueled her determination to delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos.
In 1993, Aerts successfully defended her Ph.D. at KU Leuven, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. Following her doctoral studies, she conducted research at the University of Delaware, broadening her scientific horizons. Aerts later joined the Fund for Scientific Research as a postdoctoral fellow from 1993 to 2001 before being appointed as a lecturer at KU Leuven.
Throughout her career, Aerts has made significant contributions to astrophysics, particularly in the field of asteroseismology. By analyzing star oscillations obtained from ground and space-based telescopes, she has been able to determine the internal rotation profiles of stars, shedding light on their complex dynamics. Aerts utilized data from the CoRoT and NASA Kepler satellites for her groundbreaking PROSPERITY project. Her research also extends to the PLATO mission, where she serves as the Belgian principal investigator.
One of Aerts’ notable achievements is the development of Gaussian mixture classification methodology. This innovation allows her to analyze star oscillation data and gain insights into the internal structure of stars, informing stellar models within the framework of stellar evolution theory. Through her ingenious techniques, she has made several significant discoveries, including the identification of non-rigid rotation in giant stars.
Additionally, Aerts’ theoretical models based on star oscillations have enabled her to accurately determine the ages of stars. By integrating astrophysics and mathematics, she has made groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of stellar evolution and contributed to the broader field of astrophysics.
Beyond her remarkable scientific contributions, Aerts is a dedicated advocate for increasing gender equality within the sciences. As the Vice-Dean of Communication & Outreach at the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven, she actively promotes the engagement of women in astronomy and advocates for their rightful place in the field. Aerts is a member of the International Astronomical Union Women in Astronomy Working Group, where she continues to drive positive change.
Awards:
– Honorary Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (2010)
– Member of the Royal Flemish Academy for Sciences and Arts (2011)
– Winner of the Francqui Prize in Science & Technology (2012)
– Commander of the Order of Leopold (2016)
– Awarded the Hintze Lecture at Oxford University (2017)
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of astrophysics, Aerts has been honored with numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Her groundbreaking research and commitment to advancing knowledge have not only pushed the boundaries of human understanding but have also paved the way for future generations of scientists. Conny Aerts’ unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring astrophysicists around the world.