Originally from County Durham, Duncan Lorimer is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University (WVU) where he has been on the faculty since 2006. Using the world's largest telescopes, Lorimer and collaborators carry out research into astrophysical transients, with a particular interest in the radio signals coming from neutron stars which are thought to be formed during the supernova explosions of massive stars and extensively observed as pulsars.
Lorimer is best known for his role in the discovery of the first fast radio burst in 2007 which revolutionized our understanding of the transient sky by revealing this new population of explosive sources at cosmological distances. The discovery was recognized by the Shaw Prize in Astronomy in 2023.
Lorimer is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientists through mentoring them in classes, research and outreach projects. His teaching at WVU has been acknowledged by awards from both the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and the WVU Foundation. Lorimer is also a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and the American Physical Society.
Professional position
- Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Virginia University
Subject groups
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Computer Sciences
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, vision, Programming languages and verification, Numerical computing
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Mathematics
Applied mathematics and theoretical physics
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Astronomy and Physics
Astronomy, Astrophysics, Gravitation, Interstellar medium, Magnetism
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Engineering and Materials Science
Computer engineering (including software), Instrumentation
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Other
Public engagement, Science education at secondary level, Science policy, Other interests
