St Paul’s Catholic College is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of former student Dr Declan Bartlett, who has been honoured by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) with the prestigious Early Career Award (Astronomy). This award is widely regarded as one of the most significant national honours for emerging scientists in the field of astrophysics.
Declan is now an accomplished early‑career researcher at the University of Oxford, where he is recognised for his pioneering work in theoretical and computational cosmology. His research focuses on developing advanced statistical and machine‑learning techniques that help scientists gain a deeper understanding of the Universe. This includes creating high‑performance models capable of analysing some of the most detailed cosmological surveys ever produced.
A central part of Declan’s work involves symbolic regression, an innovative method that automatically uncovers mathematical equations hidden within complex data. Unlike traditional neural networks, symbolic regression produces clear and interpretable expressions that reveal the physical principles shaping cosmic structures. These techniques are helping international research teams improve and accelerate simulations of the Universe, which are essential for exploring questions about dark matter, dark energy and the formation of galaxies.
Reflecting on the award, Declan expressed his gratitude to collaborators and mentors. He highlighted the rapid progress in data, computing and methodology that is transforming modern cosmology, and shared how fortunate he feels to contribute to this exciting period of discovery.
Since leaving St Paul’s, Declan has followed an extraordinary academic path. He completed a DPhil (PhD) in Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, undertook postdoctoral research abroad and earned a series of prestigious fellowships and distinctions. His work continues to influence major international collaborations that seek to understand the fundamental laws governing our Universe.
Since leaving St Paul’s, Declan has followed an extraordinary academic path. He completed a DPhil (PhD) in Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, undertook postdoctoral research abroad and earned a series of prestigious fellowships and distinctions. His work continues to influence major international collaborations that seek to understand the fundamental laws governing our Universe.
Declan’s achievement is a testament not only to his talent and dedication, but also to the values of curiosity, academic excellence and aspiration that we nurture at St Paul’s Catholic College. His success shows our students what is possible when passion meets perseverance.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Bartlett and look forward to seeing where his research will take him in the years ahead, and how it will continue to inspire all of us.
