We are engaged in high-energy astrophysics in members of the major scientific collaborations within gamma-ray astronomy including the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT), the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) and the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). Using data from these instruments, we try to understand the most violent environments of the Universe where elementary particles are accelerated to energies beyond the reach of any particle accelerator on Earth. Such environments are found for example in the vicinity of supermassive black holes at the center of distant galaxies. We also use gamma-ray observations to search for signatures of DM and new fundamental particles.
Within optical time-domain astronomy, we follow-up with photometric and spectroscopic measurements of extrasolar planetary systems, eclipsing binary stars, communication satellites and other transient phenomena on the sky. Part of this research involves an ongoing space-mission aiming at operating a small space-telescope (STEP mission) in collaboration with other Danish universities. The scientific aim is to characterize physical properties of stars, stellar systems, extrasolar planets, and small bodies in the solar system. The educational aim is to develop learning materials for high school and university students to further support the understanding of fundamental concepts in astronomy and astrophysics.