Professor Hans Kjeldsen is a distinguished astrophysicist and leading authority in asteroseismology at Aarhus University in Denmark. He currently serves as Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and is affiliated with the Stellar Astrophysics Centre at Aarhus University. For nearly three decades, Professor Kjeldsen has maintained a significant collaborative partnership with scientists from the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University, focusing on the study of stellar composition and properties. His exceptional contributions to science and international collaboration were formally recognized in 2024 when Vilnius University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his outstanding scientific achievements and long-standing partnership with Lithuanian astronomers.
Professor Kjeldsen is internationally recognized as one of the world's foremost experts in asteroseismology, the study of stellar vibrations that reveal deep insights into the internal structure and composition of stars. He has pioneered advanced techniques to extract and interpret these stellar vibrations, enabling unprecedented understanding of fundamental stellar properties that were previously inaccessible to astronomers. His research has provided crucial insights into the composition and evolution of stars, significantly advancing our knowledge of stellar physics and the broader field of astrophysics. Professor Kjeldsen describes the profound impact of his work, recalling the first time he observed stellar vibrations in his data as an inspiring moment when he saw phenomena that no one else had previously detected.
Beyond his research contributions, Professor Kjeldsen is celebrated for his warm and open communication style, exceptional ability to clarify complex astrophysical concepts, and genuine dedication to both research and teaching. He emphasizes the importance of making scientific explanations accessible to diverse audiences, stating that explanations should be understandable for both primary school students and PhD students, reflecting his commitment to science education at all levels. As scientific director of the Delphini-1 satellite mission, he has extended his expertise to space-based research, further demonstrating his leadership in advancing observational astrophysics. Professor Kjeldsen also actively contributes to broader scientific discourse, advocating that science should be viewed as a value-based activity founded on a culture of cooperation, which he considers essential for maintaining an open and sustainable science system in both Lithuania and Denmark.
