Physics student at LMU Munich

Joan Alcaide-Núñez

Current Focus
2025 // OAB-INAF (Milan)

Multi-messenger Cosmology with GRBs

This project develops a joint likelihood framework for Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) prompt emission and gravitational wave signals. The goal is to calibrate GRBs as standard candles to measure the Hubble Constant ($H_0$) at high redshifts where SNe Ia are scarce.

2024 // Principal Investigator

The GAMMA Initiative (CAPIBARA Collaboration)

Leading the science definition for a student-built Gamma-ray observing CubeSat. We are currently focusing on defining the physical rationale and requirements for a $\gamma$-ray transient observing student-led mission.

2024 // Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC-IEEC)

Type Ia Supernovae as Cosmological Distance Indicators

Measured cosmological distances using Type Ia Supernovae as standard candles within the cosmic distance ladder, employing infrared photometry from ESO telescopes. Collected SNIa light curves and photometry from multiple surveys (ZTF, ATLAS, SOFI@LaSilla) and applied the SALT2-NIR model for fitting. Developed computational methods in Python for photometric analysis and light curve modeling.

2023 // Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Cepheid Hubble Constant Recomputation

Foundation project using Cepheid variable stars as standard candles for cosmological distance measurements. Analyzed Cepheid photometry from the Konkoly Observatory Extragalactic Cepheid Database using the Leavitt Law to perform distance measurements. Computed a Hubble constant value of approximately $H_0=70.3\pm7.1 \mathrm{\ km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1}$, consistent with contemporary measurements.

Education
2025-2028 // Ludwig-Maximilians-Univesrität München (LMU)

BSc. Physics

2017-2025 // German School of Barcelona

Double High School Diploma (German + Spanish)

Thesis: Recomputing the Hubble Constant with Cepheids and Ia Supernovae in the realm of the Crisis in Cosmology. Grade: 1.0/1.0 (German system 1.0 to 6.0)

TALKS
2026 // Symposium for Space Educational Activities (SSEA)

The CRD Instrument and the COSMOS Program

Poster, Paper

2025 // Barcelona Science Museum CosmoCaixa

Presenting the CAPIBARA Collaboration at Barcelona Science Museum

Slides (Catalan)

2024 // German School of Barcelona

The Universe: Cosmology, Stars and Massiva Objects

Educational slides for high school students, qualitative introduction to astrophysics. Slides (Spanish)

2023

Space Exploration - Outreach activity with primary school

Slides (Catalan)

2022-2023 // Barcelona Science Museum CosmoCaixa

Explainers Volunteer

Website

AWARDS
2023-2025

Youth & Science Fellowship

Funded 3-year fellowship of research experiences for high school students. Prestigious scholarship that allows students to have early first-hand experience within real research environments and projects.

2025

Abiturpreis German Physical Society (DPG)

Distinction for extraordinary performance in high school physics

2024-2025

Jugend Forscht

2024: first prize regional level (Spain + Portugal) and awarded internship (at IMF-DLR) at Nordrhein-Westfalen round. 2025: first prize regional level and Nordrhein-Westfalen round with special scientific photography award, and participant in final round.

2023-2025

International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC)

Awarded the Bronze honour (2023), Silver Honour (2024), and Silver Honour with National Award (2025). Top 7% contestants globally (n>12000).

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