Asteroseismic data analysis with Kepler, K2, TESS and PLATO

Career overview

Professor William Chaplin is the Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham and leads the Solar & Stellar Physics Research group. He completed both his undergraduate degree in Physics with Astrophysics and his PhD in stellar physics (asteroseismology) at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1990 and 1993, respectively. His doctoral research involved collecting and analysing high-precision radial velocity data on cool stars. Following his PhD, he undertook a European Space Agency research fellowship at ESTEC in the Netherlands before returning to Birmingham to secure a permanent academic position. Professor Chaplin''s research primarily focuses on helioseismology and asteroseismology, utilising observations of the natural oscillations of the Sun and other stars to enhance understanding of stellar evolution theory, the solar cycle, and stellar variability. He is particularly interested in characterising Sun-like and red-giant hosts of newly discovered exoplanet systems. He oversees the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON), an automated global network of helioseismology telescopes, and holds leadership roles in the asteroseismology programmes of NASA''s Kepler and TESS Missions, as well as the ESA PLATO Mission. He has authored and co-authored over 350 refereed papers and has an H-index of 89. In recognition of his significant contributions to the field, he received the 2020 Institute of Physics Fred Hoyle Medal and Prize for his leadership in advancing the understanding of stellar interiors through solar-type asteroseismology. Additionally, he has published two books on helioseismology and asteroseismology. Professor Chaplin is actively involved in public engagement initiatives aimed at increasing interest and understanding of physics. He has developed a major outreach programme and is engaged in an arts-science collaboration titled PHYARTUoB, which connects artists with scientific research. He has served on various committees and advisory panels, currently chairing two UK Space Agency Committees and being a core member of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Science Board. He was awarded the Royal Astronomical Society Harold Jeffery’s Lectureship in 2012.

Research interests

Professor Chaplin''s research focuses on helioseismology and asteroseismology, using observations of the natural oscillations of the Sun and other stars to enhance understanding of stellar evolution theory, the solar cycle, and stellar variability. He aims to characterise Sun-like and red-giant hosts of newly discovered exoplanet systems through asteroseismology. He leads the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON) and holds leadership roles in the asteroseismology programmes of the NASA Kepler and TESS Missions, as well as the ESA PLATO Mission. His research themes include the structure and dynamics of the solar interior, studies of cool solar-type stars, stellar evolution, stellar activity, and characterisation of exoplanet systems. Professor Chaplin has co-authored over 350 refereed papers and has received notable recognition, including the 2020 Institute of Physics Fred Hoyle Medal and Prize for his contributions to understanding stellar interiors.