Dr. Hannah Wakeford, Associate Professor in Astrophysics at the University of Bristol, was chosen from more than 350 nominations to receive a Philip Leverhulme Prize, amongst 30 other outstanding researchers, announced today.

Her pioneering research has already demonstrated that the composition of clouds in exoplanet atmospheres can be measured. The role of clouds in this setting is even more important than around planet Earth, as the atmospheres are exposed to ultra-extreme conditions.

This award will allow Dr Wakeford and her team to better understand the physics and chemistry of these alien environments, in turn building a more complete picture of the pivotal role clouds play in the weather and climate of a planet.