UVic's Julio Navarro (physics and astronomy) is one of the world’s leading astrophysicists. His research on galaxy formation and evolution—primarily using sophisticated computer simulations—has shaped our current understanding of how structures in the universe formed. He is especially well known for his work on dark matter, a mysterious substance that holds galaxies together

“Cosmology is undergoing a golden age of discovery that promises to rewrite the most fundamental laws of physics,” says Navarro. ”It’s only in the past few decades that humankind has been able to piece together a scientifically verifiable account of how the universe began and evolved. It’s a privilege to be active in this field at this time.”

Navarro was recently elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada for outstanding scholarly and scientific achievement. The distinction is considered Canada’s highest academic honour.

He’s a member of the Virgo consortium, an international team of astrophysicists who developed the largest computer simulation ever of the structure and growth of the universe. Known as the "Millennium Run," the simulation charts how the cosmos may have evolved since the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago. Learn more about Navarro’s work with the Virgo consortium.