Dr Imogen Gingell

Royal Society University Research Fellow

Southampton’s world class Space Environment Physics Group and its high performance computer cluster Iridis attracted Dr Imogen Gingell.

In January I published the first statistical study of magnetic reconnection in shockwaves, and I expect to submit a new study looking at unusual ‘flux rope’ events in shockwaves very soon.”

Space scientist Dr Gingell joined the University’s Astronomy Group in October 2019, as a Royal Society University Research Fellow.

She specialises in exploring interactions between plasma from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. Her research uses machine learning and 3D computer simulations to understand magnetic reconnection and shockwaves within the Earth’s magnetosphere (the upper levels of the atmosphere).

What made Southampton the ideal location for Dr Gingell’s fellowship?

“Southampton is a wonderful city to live in, and I've made important personal connections here,” she said. “The University has a world class research group dedicated to Space Environment Physics, and my work fits right in with the science goals of that slice of the Astronomy Group.

“Furthermore, the University has important facilities for my projects like its high performance computing cluster Iridis, and as partner of the Alan Turing Institute the University provides a great vehicle for building skill and collaborations in machine learning.”

Since arriving in Southampton from Imperial College, Dr Gingell’s research has made strong strides.

“I’ve had the support to make a strong start at Southampton,” she explained. “The Physics and Astronomy department and the Astronomy Group have been very friendly and welcoming, and so I've been able to set up and get started on my project very easily. The Royal Society have also provided training and induction courses on how to make a productive start in my fellowship.

Dr Gingell’s fellowship runs until September 2024.