A computational astrophysicist specialising in 3D simulations to explore the role of magnetic fields related to supernovae has been recognised by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) for his work.

Dr Vishnu Varma, a postdoctoral Research Associate at Keele University, said he was "incredibly honoured" to be awarded an RAS Research Fellowship.

"My recent work suggests that magnetic fields may play a broader role than previously thought in the evolution of massive stars and their spectacular explosions," he added.

"This opportunity will allow me to continue exploring the magnetic lives and deaths of these stars, helping us better understand the origins of the elements and the signals we detect from distant supernovae."

The RAS Research Fellowship provides post-doctoral funding for up to three years. It is offered to outstanding candidates to enable them to pursue research in the UK in the disciplines advanced by the RAS – such as astronomy, solar system science, geophysics and closely-related branches of these sciences.

Applicants have to have a recognised PhD degree or equivalent obtained after 1 October three years before the start of the Fellowship.

Dr Varma completed his undergraduate degree at Queen Mary University of London and worked briefly as a software developer before pursuing a PhD at Monash University, where he completed his thesis titled 'Multidimensional Modelling of Magnetic Fields in Core-Collapse Supernovae and Their Progenitors'.