My name is Velizar Kirkow, and I am a third-year PhD student at the University of Exeter in the Department of Mathematics. My research focuses on modelling shear-driven instabilities, with particular application to the solar tachocline. I would like to formally nominate myself for the Postgraduate Representative position on the UKSP Council.
The UK solar physics community is a vibrant and dynamic network, enriched by researchers at all career stages. Over the past three years, I have had the great pleasure of engaging with this community and experiencing the breadth of expertise, curiosity, and collaboration that defines it.
My primary motivation for joining the UKSP Council is to support PhD students and other early career researchers (ECRs) as they navigate their path into the broader solar physics community. I believe the Council plays a crucial role in fostering community cohesion, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that help ECRs integrate more fully into the field—whether through mentorship, outreach, or increased awareness of funding and career development opportunities.
From my experience, peer-to-peer outreach can be particularly effective. As fellow PhD students, we are well positioned to understand the challenges of transitioning from structured academic programmes into independent research careers. At Exeter, I have mentored new PhD students and supported their development within our department, and I would welcome the opportunity to extend this support across the UKSP community.
In every leadership role I have undertaken, my aim has been to empower those around me and create inclusive spaces for people to thrive. For example, I organise our departmental journal club, which brings together researchers of all levels for informal discussions of current work. I also have experience in undergraduate teaching and public outreach, and I feel confident in communicating scientific ideas to diverse audiences—from students to senior researchers and members of the public.
As the research environment in the UK and internationally continues to evolve, I believe it is more important than ever to prioritise community, communication, and collaboration. If elected, I would work to ensure that ECRs feel supported, heard, and encouraged to contribute to the future of solar physics in the UK.
It would be an honour to serve on the UKSP Council and contribute to its initiatives. Thank you for considering my nomination.