Recognition for rising stars of research

Two pioneering researchers - one who is improving telescope images of space and the other studying the environmentally damaging practice of sand mining - have received national recognition for their work. Dr James Osborn and Dr Laura Schoenberger have been appointed as Future Leader Fellows by the research organisation, UK Research and Innovation. The fellowships recognises innovative researchers providing them with funding to tackle challenges facing the world today. Improving ground-based telescopes Based in our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, James explores different ways to unlock the full potential of ground-based telescopes for astronomy and satellite communications. Currently, images from ground-based telescopes are limited by Earth's turbulent atmosphere - the same turbulence that makes stars appear to twinkle. James will use his fellowship to build a 3D model of atmospheric turbulence so he can understand all of its characteristics and the problems it causes. This will lead to the development of new correction mechanisms resulting in ground-based telescopes which are as good, if not better, than space telescopes.