About

Overview

In 1985, the UA Theoretical Astrophysics Program (TAP) was created based on the shared vision of Jack (Randy) Jokipii and the then-heads of the astronomy, physics, and planetary sciences departments. The aim was to combine evident faculty and departmental strengths to create a theoretical program complementing UA’s recognized strengths in observational astronomy and planetary sciences. Since its inception, the State of Arizona has continued to provide annual funding, which has supported the development of this tightly integrated program and increased the growth and visibility of the UA’s leadership in theoretical astrophysics.

The Departments of Astronomy, Physics, and Planetary Sciences form the Theoretical Astrophysics Program along with key partnerships with Applied Mathematics, the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, and the NSF NOIRLab. Membership is open to all UA faculty, research partners, postdocs, and graduate and undergraduate students interested in theoretical astrophysics. 

The TAP coordinates activities to support the UArizona academic community. Early-career scholars and senior faculty give colloquia each semester covering a broad range of current research topics. To expand and develop new research directions and collaborations, TAP Initiatives invite speakers and host ongoing discussions. Beginning in late 2023, a TAP Lectureship Series will bring new opportunities for joint research and partnerships. To support student education and training, the  TAP Graduate Student Research Prize is awarded annually to one UA grad student or recent Ph.D. with the winning submission selected for research quality and originality. The TAP Student Small Grants Program provides limited funding to student members to support research dissemination, collaboration, and computational training.