Research
Together with our sibling units: CITA and the Dunlap Institute and with faculty from the UTSC and UTM campuses, the Department has a strong research presence in the world of astronomy. The exciting research carried out here in Toronto ranges from the origin of the universe, to star and galaxy formation, and to extra-solar planets.
Recent research across the astro units spans the full astrophysical landscape—from the faintest galaxies to the most extreme compact objects—united by a desire to link cutting-edge instrumentation, observations, computation, and theory. Major themes include mapping the low-surface-brightness Universe and the cosmic web with innovative telescope arrays; modeling and constraining the formation of stars, planets, and galaxies through advanced simulations, large surveys, and AI techniques; and probing cosmic origins and the physics of compact objects with multi-messenger and gravitational-wave astronomy to constrain fundamental physics. Researchers are developing next-generation facilities such as CHORD and GIRMOS, alongside powerful statistical and machine-learning frameworks, to reveal how the Universe evolved and how galaxies, black holes, and dark matter shape cosmic evolution. Complementary efforts in CMB cosmology, radio astronomy, and stellar dynamics connect the early Universe to present-day structures, while interdisciplinary and cross-cultural projects—from applying astronomical methods to neuroscience to exploring Indigenous sky knowledge—broaden the impact and reach of modern astrophysics.
