Josefin Larsson

Associate professor in astronomy at the Royal Institute of Technology

Membership period 2017–2022

I am an astronomer working with exploding stars and black holes. These are some of the most extreme phenomena in the universe. I am particularly interested in how the explosions are triggered and how ultrafast jets form in the vicinity of black holes. In practice, this means that I spend my days analysing data from different telescopes. To be able to study different kinds of phenomena I use observations that span most of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, I use telescopes that can observe energetic X- and gamma-ray radiation in order to study jets, while optical observations with the Hubble Space Telescope are an excellent way of studying Supernova 1987A, the most nearby stellar explosion in our lifetimes.

1. Photo: Erik Thor/Young Academy of Sweden 2. Photo: Markus Marcetic/KAW (Click to enlarge)

Josefin Larsson Photo: Erik Thor/Young Academy of Sweden

(Click for high resolution portrait, opens in new window) Photo: Erik Thor/Young Academy of Sweden

IN BRIEF

Born: 1980
Family: common law husband Daniel
Interests: I love to travel and get to know new countries. At best I get to visit one new country every year. Reading books, down hill skeeing and dancing are also great interests of mine.

”I am a member of the Young Academy of Sweden because I think it is important that younger researchers take part in the research policy debate and influence the terms for research in Sweden. I particularly want to highlight the importance of investing in basic research.”

Sveriges unga akademi
Lilla Frescativägen 4A
SE 114 18 Stockholm