Alex Rawlings, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science, has investigated the dynamics of supermassive black holes in the centres of massive galaxies.
In his doctoral thesis, Doctoral Researcher Alex Rawlings investigates how supermassive black holes interact with the galaxies they inhabit and their role in galactic evolution. After studying in Australia and Switzerland, he moved to Helsinki in 2019 to embark on master's studies at the University of Helsinki.
Rawlings completed his doctoral research in the Doctoral Programme in Particle Physics and Universe Sciences with funding from the University of Helsinki Funds. On 28 November 2025, he defended his doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Science.
What is the topic of your doctoral thesis?
"As the title of my doctoral thesis - 'Supermassive Black Hole Dynamics in Massive Early-Type Galaxies' - suggests, my research focuses on black holes in the centres of galaxies.
"Nearly all massive galaxies, including the Milky Way, have a supermassive black hole in their centre. These objects are in complex interaction with their surrounding galaxies and are a key factor in galactic evolution."
What inspired you to pursue a doctoral degree in your field?
"The spark was lit in 2019 when I was a trainee at the University of Sydney, working on observational data with advanced telescopic equipment. The breadth and scale of the topic made a big impression.
"Then I moved to Helsinki and began my master's studies in the Master's Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences, from which I graduated in 2021. I decided to continue to doctoral studies and focus on modelling - understanding the physics phenomena behind observations."
What contribution can your thesis make to the wider community or society?
"My research is based on curiosity, not on industry interests. It's important in the sense that it brings us one step closer to understanding some of the genuinely major questions concerning the universe.
"My work is particularly meaningful in the new era of astronomy, where the universe is observed with the help of gravitational waves. As distortions in space-time caused by massive objects, these waves enable us to see the universe from an entirely new viewpoint. I would compare this to having previously seen the instruments included in an orchestra, but only now hearing the music for the first time."
How did your doctoral research go? How did you feel about writing a doctoral thesis?
"The work progressed steadily, and now that it's behind me I can say that everything worked out well in the end. It's a very different feeling from what I felt at the end of the first year, when the requirements for doctoral degrees created intense pressure and I doubted my capacity. Even though this feeling subsided in the third and fourth years, one of the biggest challenges was finding the tenacity and determination to carry out what I had started."
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself after completing your degree?
"In March, I will begin working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute in Germany with our collaboration partners. At this stage of my research career, networks and partnerships have been extremely important.
"I'm looking forward to planning and carrying out new research projects relying on the skills I developed during my doctoral studies. While I'm slightly nervous about this new stage, I find it inspiring and manageable."
What advice would you give to someone who is just in the early stages of their journey towards a doctorate?
"Nobody expects you to be an expert to begin with. It's important to have the courage to say 'I don't know', as it makes it possible to learn new things.
"Building a strong team spirit in your research group is very important. An effective support network is there for you when you inevitably come across challenges."
