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0000-0001-8741-8263 Research portal Website Twitter LinkedIn Peter.Johansson@helsinki.fi

D311, Physicum, Kumpula Campus

Department of Physics
Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2
University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64
FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland

+358 50 318 3930

+358 2941 51211

Peter H. Johansson

About MePermalink

I am an astrophysicist currently serving as a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

My primary research focus is on the formation and evolution of galaxies, with a particular interest in understanding the role of supermassive black holes in the galaxy formation process. I investigate these issues primarily through high-resolution numerical simulations of both merging galaxies and those forming in a full cosmological setting.

I am also interested in the physical feedback processes (such as gas cooling, supernova activity, and the heating from supermassive black holes) that shape the structure of the baryonic component in forming and evolving galaxies. Additionally, I collaborate extensively with observational research groups.

My full curriculum vitae can be found here.

PublicationsPermalink

The easiest way to view my publications is on the NASA ADS.
My refereed publications may be viewed:

All my publications may be viewed:

Current position:Permalink

Professor of Astrophysics (since September 1st, 2017)
Department of Physics
University of Helsinki

Education:Permalink

  • Habilitation (Docent), University of Helsinki, 2009
  • Ph.D., University of Cambridge, 2006
  • M.Sc., University of Helsinki, 2001

Work history:Permalink

  • Associate professor of Astrophysics (09/2014-08/2017), University of Helsinki
  • Assistant professor of Astrophysics (09/2011-08/2014), University of Helsinki
  • University researcher (01/2011-08/2011), Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO, University of Turku (I was based at the University of Helsinki)
  • Research Scientist (02/2008-12/2010) in the Computational Astrophysics group at the Ludwig-Maximilans-Universität München
  • Research Associate (postdoc) (09/2006-01/2008) in the Computational Astrophysics group at the Ludwig-Maximilans-Universität München

Research interests:Permalink

  • Computational astrophysics – numerical N-Body, hydrodynamical SPH simulations.
  • Formation and evolution of elliptical galaxies, disk galaxies and supermassive black holes.
  • Modelling the dynamics of supermassive black holes.
  • Dynamics of the interstellar medium and star formation.
  • Observational studies of high-redshift and local galaxies.

Public OutreachPermalink

I greatly enjoy interacting with the general public and giving popular science interviews and presentations. Science and astronomy belong to everyone, and I feel it is important for professional astronomers to engage with the public regularly. In Finland, in particular, the amateur astronomy scene is very active, as evidenced by the 18,000+ members of the Finnish Ursa Astronomical Association. Below is a selection of some recent public talks. I am available for interviews and popular science talks in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Please contact me if you would like to hear more about my research.

  1. Television appearances:
    • About 1-2 TV interviews annually on astronomical topics for various TV stations, such as for example YLE and MTV3.
  2. Radio interviews:
    • About 2-3 radio interviews annually on astronomical topics for various radio stations, such as for example YLE.
  3. Interviews and writings in printed media:
    • About 5-6 written comments and interviews annually on astronomical topics for various printed media, such as for example Helsingin sanomat, Tiede and Tähdet & Avaruus.
  4. Selected presentations for the general public: