Dr. Hiranya Peiris

Biography

Hiranya Peiris is a Professor of Astrophysics at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, and a Professorial Fellow at Murray Edwards College. Her research focuses on testing fundamental physics using large cosmological datasets, particularly in the realms of cosmic microwave background (CMB) galaxy surveys. Peiris employs an interdisciplinary approach that combines observational work with theoretical physics and advanced statistical machine learning techniques. Her recent interests include the interface between cosmology and galaxy evolution, as well as gravitational wave astrophysics. Peiris is the Principal Investigator of the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant project CosmicExplorer and has been integral in various high-profile collaborations, including the WMAP and Planck collaborations, which have significantly advanced our understanding of the universe's characteristics. She also managed projects related to multimessenger astrophysics and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Peiris has held several prestigious fellowships and directorates, and her contributions to astrophysics have been recognized with numerous awards, including the IOP Fred Hoyle Medal Prize and the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. Peiris's academic journey includes a PhD from Princeton and postdoctoral fellowships, culminating in her current leadership roles in various scientific initiatives. In addition, she has served in key positions within the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC Council, providing strategic oversight for research in the UK.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards