About

The Astrophysics Research Institute at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is one of the world's leading authorities in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The work of the ARI encompasses a comprehensive programme of observational and theoretical research, telescope operation and instrument development, academic learning and outreach activities. In 2015 the ARI rejoined the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at LJMU.

Research interests of the ARI include studies in Star Formation and Stellar Populations, Time Domain Astrophysics (particularly explosive transients), Galaxy Formation and Evolution, Computational Galaxy Formation, and Astronomical Instrumentation. We have formal partnerships with several major international projects including LIGO / VIRGO, CTA, Euclid, DiRAC, WEAVE, and the LSST.

We run unique three year BSc and four year MPhys courses in Astronomy and Astrophysics in conjunction with the University of Liverpool; provide an extensive range of exciting distance learning courses including MSc programmes; have developed Spaceport in conjunction with Mersey Travel and are home to the prestigious National Schools' Observatory that brings astronomy directly into many UK schools, enthusing school students about the study of science and technology.

Institute staff led the development of the ASTRONET Infrastructure Roadmap for the future of European astronomy on behalf of STFC and other European funding agencies, published in 2008, and regularly serve on national and international committees and panels of the Research Councils and other bodies.

The ARI was a recipient of the 2005 Queen's Anniversary Prize for its outstanding achievements in Higher and Further Education, including the development of the world's largest fully robotic telescope - the Liverpool Telescope - and its innovative educational programmes in UK schools and colleges.

In 2007, ARI scientists won the prestigious Times Higher award for Research Project of the Year for "Measuring Gamma Ray Bursts", thanks to pioneering work with the RINGO optical polarimeter instrument on the Liverpool Telescope and were part of the Royal Astronomical Society's 2008 "Group Achievement Award" for the role of our staff in the 2-degree Field (2dF) Galaxy Redshift Survey.

See also: A Brief History Of Astronomy On Merseyside