Vardan Adibekyan

Stay at the IAC: 01/03/2018 a 18/04/2018

Research line: Stellar Physics and Exoplanet sciences

Currently Dr. Adibekyan is a researcher ("Investigador FCT") at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (Portugal).

Vardan Adibekyan completed his PhD in 2009 in Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, Armenia. From 2009 to 2011 he lectured as an assistant professor at Yerevan State University, while at the same time working at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory as a research associate. From 2011 to 2016, he was a  FCT post-doc researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences (IA). Currently Vardan is a researcher at IA (Investigador FCT).

During the PhD his scientific research was focused on the studies of extragalactic objects. After moving to IA, he smoothly changed his main scientific orientation to Galactic objects. His current main research interests include the study of the statistical properties of extrasolar planets and their host stars. He is interested in the use of high resolution stellar spectroscopy (optical and near-IR) for the determination of stellar atmospheric parameters and abundances in solar-type stars. He is also very interested on the studies of the kinematics and chemical properties of the stellar populations in our Galaxy. Vardan counts more than 80 refereed publications in total, about 20 of which as a leading author. So far, his papers received about 2500 citations.

Scientific activity during the period visiting IAC:
During his stay at the IAC, Vardan will work with the group of Dr. G. Israelian and other colleagues/collaborators who work on stellar and exoplanet science. His main work will be focused on the chemical characterisation of terrestrial planet hosts, and in particular to study abundances of elements that are responsible for the geothermal energy.