The Group of Astrophysical Plasmas is part of Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (link to IPFN webpage) (IPFN) at Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (IPFN) at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST). Our research focuses on the study of the plasma processes that shape astrophysical environments—such as those found in accretion disks, supernovae, black hole and neutron star magnetospheres and relativistic jets. We tackle some of the grand scientific challenges (link to Research tab) in this field using a combination of theory, computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and observations. We collaborate with many groups at different institutions and laboratories worldwide, including at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), UCLA, MIT, Princeton University and Imperial College. Our work is funded by the European Research Council through a Consolidator Grant XPACE (No. 101045172).

The mission of the Group of Astrophysical Plasmas is to carry out cutting-edge research to advance our understanding of plasma physics in astrophysical environments. We study the mechanisms governing plasma dynamics, nonthermal particle acceleration and radiation emission in the universe, through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches that integrate theory, astronomical observation, computational modeling, and laboratory astrophysics. Our goal is to be an international reference in the field, to serve as a magnet to talented students and young scientists providing them with advanced training in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, and to strengthen national participation in strategic scientific initiatives at the European and international levels.