Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template



Use one form per project
Please complete & submit to international@nuigalway.ie as soon as possible, and by 27/11/2012
In your email, begin the subject line with [SWB] (be sure to use square brackets) to ensure that
your email is filed correctly. Emails will be automatically filed
PI name & contact details:
Dr Andy Shearer
andy.shearer@nuigalway.ie
+353 91 493114
School:
Physics
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Research Centre / group affiliation:
Centre of Astronomy
Research group / centre website:
astro.nuigalway.ie
PI website / link to CV:
astro.nuigalway.ie/staff/ashearer
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
If you are already involved in relevant scholarly activities relating to Brazil, please mention them here.
Pulsar observations, simulations and theory, instrument development
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Optical and Near-IR Observations of Pulsars
Pulsars, spin-powered neutron stars represents matter at its most extreme. If we understand
neutron stars we have the opportunity to understand the strongest magnetic fields, strong gravity
as well as the macroscopic behaviour of very dense matter. We have an active porgramme of
observations of these with the intention of understanding the structure of the magnetic field
around both normal pulsars and magnetars. Our main project will be related to the development
and use of our own GASP photometer combined with observations using standard observatory
intrumentation using telescopes in ESO, La Palma Observatory and the HST. This work will be
complemented by detail numerical simulations of pulsar emission processes.
Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
NUI Galway projects should emphasise features that are not typically available in Brazil – specific equipment,
multi-disciplinarity, aspects of structured programme, links with industry, placements, links with other research
groups etc.
This project proposing using a unique instrument for observing linear and circular polarisation with high
time resolution. We have guaranteed access to large telescopes as well as strong collaborations with
industry and other pulsar astrophysicists across Europe.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Physics, Astronomy, Electronic or Optical Engineering
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)/Physical Sciences (Mathematics,
X
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geosciences)
Health and Biomedical Sciences / Clinical, Pré-clinical and Health Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Computing
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Sustainable Agricultural Production
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals, Minerals Technology
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technologies for Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters
Bioprospecting and Biodiversity
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): Y
Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N) N
Suitable for either/Don’t know: _____