Hannah Wakeford
Associate Professor of Astrophysics, University of Bristol
I am an Associate Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Bristol, where I lead a research group studying the atmospheres of transiting exoplanets. My work focuses on using space-based telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope to understand the chemistry, structure, and dynamics of these distant worlds. I also develop models of exotic clouds in exoplanet atmospheres to help interpret observations and guide future studies.
I currently lead a UKRI Frontiers Research Grant exploring the three-dimensional properties of exoplanet atmospheres, combining observations and modelling to better understand how these planets form and evolve. I was awarded the Philip Leverhulme Prize in 2024. I completed my PhD at the University of Exeter in 2015, following an MPhys at Aberystwyth and research experience in the Arctic at UNIS. I have also held positions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.
Alongside my research, I am committed to science communication, contributing to television and radio, co-hosting the Exocast podcast, and co-authoring the popular science book Bang! The Complete History of the Universe.
EXPs by Hannah Wakeford
Exoplanet research is fundamentally about understanding the diverse ways that worlds are constructed and how they evolve within their stellar environments. By analyzing the chemistry and physics of these extreme alien worlds, we can determine where a planet was born and uncover the universal mechanisms that govern planetary formation.
Exoplanet research has revealed that atmospheres far beyond our solar system are filled with truly alien clouds. By studying these extreme environments, we can better understand the fundamental physics and chemistry that control energy and climate, providing vital insights into the past, present, and future of our own Earth's atmosphere.
The atmosphere of a planet is a sensitive and complex system where even a tiny change in chemical composition can fundamentally alter the entire environment. By studying exoplanets with extreme climates—featuring rains of glass and supersonic winds—we can better understand the physics and chemistry that drive our own world and the conditions necessary for life to emerge.