For current PhD opportunities, please visit the Space and Planetary Physics group webpages.
Jim Wild is the Professor of Space Physics in the Physics Department at Lancaster University and the President-Elect of the Royal Astronomical Society. His research focuses on the links between the Sun, the Earth and other planets. As well as exploring the physics of the natural space environment, he studies the impact of a range of solar-driven phenomena that are now understood to be a risk to human technologies. He leads the Space and Planetary Physics research group at Lancaster University, a team of around 20 academics, post-doctoral researchers and postgraduate students. Jim has held significant leadership roles in the wider research community, and is engaged with policy-makers and industry stakeholders. Beyond his research, he has a proven track-record of leadership in higher education, with considerable experience in university-level teaching, learning and recruitment in the STEM disciplines.
Jim's research investigates the physics behind the aurora borealis (sometimes known as the northern lights), the impact of space weather on human technology and the interaction between the Martian atmosphere and the interplanetary environment. As well as exploiting an international flotilla of satellites, Jim’s research has previously taken him to the high arctic to carry out experiments.
As a passionate science communicator, Jim has established himself as a popular speaker for public audiences and he also contributes to print and broadcast media.
Selected recent leadership roles:
- External Examiner for Physics undergratuate programmes at the University of Manchester (2022-25)
- ESA Academy invited lecturer, European Space Agency Space Weather Training Course (2023)
- Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the Faculty of Science & Technology at Lancaster University (2019-22)
- Chair of the STFC Astronomy Grants Panel (2017 - 2019)
