Contact Info
CIERA's Mission
The mission of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics is to promote research and education in astrophysics through support of independent postdoctoral fellows, advanced graduate and undergraduate research, a vigorous visiting researchers program, and multi-faceted seminars, education, and public outreach programs. Special emphasis is given to interdisciplinary connections with computer science, applied math, statistics, electrical and mechanical engineering, planetary science, education and the arts.
CIERA is a research center in Northwestern University’s Office for Research, under the Vice President for Research. Learn more about the research centers at Northwestern.
Diversity & Inclusion
CIERA is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community for everyone. Every person connected to CIERA, including its visitors, upholds our shared values by seeking diverse perspectives and deliberately working to increase access and equity of people from marginalized groups. We recognize that true excellence only comes from the meaningful integration of all perspectives in our community and culture.
Learn more about CIERA’s social justice efforts
CIERA also participates with University-wide diversity & inclusion efforts.
Northwestern’s Leadership Commitment
Policies & Reporting Forms: Northwestern’s Office of Equity
Organizational Leadership

Vicky Kalogera
Daniel I. Linzer Distinguished University Professor, Director of CIERA

Shane Larson
Research Professor, Associate Director of CIERA

Kari Frank
Director of Operations of CIERA, Research Assistant Professor
Organizational Committees
Research Areas

Black Holes & Dead Stars
Learn More
Black Holes & Dead Stars
Supermassive & Stellar Mass Black Holes, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars . . .
Learn More

Exoplanets & The Solar System
Learn More
Exoplanets & The Solar System
Planet Formation, Planet Dynamics, Protoplanetary Disks . . .
Learn More

Galaxies & Cosmology
Learn More
Galaxies & Cosmology
Galaxy Formation, Intergalactic Medium, Galaxy Clusters, Early Universe . . .
Learn More

Gravitational Waves & Multi-Messenger Astronomy
Learn More
Gravitational Waves & Multi-Messenger Astronomy
Black Hole & Neutron Star Mergers, Gravitational Wave Sources & Their Electromagnetic Counterparts . . .
Learn More

Life & Death of Stars
Learn More
Life & Death of Stars
Interstellar Medium, Star Formation & Evolution, Supernovae & Their Remnants . . .
Learn More

Stellar Dynamics & Stellar Populations
Learn More
Stellar Dynamics & Stellar Populations
Globular Clusters, Galactic Nuclei, Stellar Collisions & Mergers, Interacting Binaries . . .
Learn More
Are you visiting CIERA as a researcher, speaker, or collaborator?