Anatoly Belonoshko
Professor in Theoretical Physics with specialisation in condensed matter theory
Anatoly Belonoshko has a particular interest in extreme environments. He is driven to study those parts of the world around us that are exposed to enormously high pressures or temperatures. Such as the inner core of our planet where it is hotter than the surface of the sun.
Despite this intense heat, the Earth’s core is made of solid iron, which has long been a subject of scientific debate. Recently however, research headed by Belonoshko has provided a convincing explanation of this phenomenon.
Belonoshko’s research is done via computer simulation with the aid of some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers. For example, he has developed new calculation methods on which these simulations are based.
An understanding of how different materials behave in extreme environments is important in several ways. Partly for unexpected climate change related phenomena, and partly as it will pave the way for the development of new materials. It can also provide insights into how the Earth was formed and also its future.