Itai Linial
2026 Regional Award Finalist — Post-Doc
Current Position:
Einstein Fellow, NASA Hubble Fellowship Program
Institution:
New York University
Discipline:
Astrophysics & Cosmology
Recognized for: Uncovering the origin of recurring X-ray eruptions around supermassive black holes, transforming how astronomers' study extreme galactic environments.
Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:
Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, Multi-Messenger Astronomy, Stellar Dynamics
Previous Positions:
B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
M.Sc. in Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (Advisor: Re’em Sari)
Ph.D. in Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (Advisor: Re’em Sari)
Member, School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study (Advisor: Jim Stone)
Postdoctoral Fellow, THEA, Columbia University (Advisors: Brian D. Metzger, Yuri Levin, Andrei Beloborodov)
Research Summary:
Supermassive black holes power some of the most extreme phenomena in the universe, yet many aspects of their behavior remain poorly understood. Astrophysicist Itai Linial has uncovered new ways to probe the environments surrounding these cosmic giants by explaining the origin of mysterious recurring X-ray flashes known as Quasi-Periodic Eruptions. Linial’s pioneering model linked these eruptions to interactions between stars and disks of matter orbiting black holes, a prediction later confirmed by observations. His work has opened a powerful new window into black hole growth, galaxy evolution, gravitational waves, and the fundamental physics governing the universe.
“The Universe's most energetic flares are clues to the mysteries of black holes, and I strive to decipher what they reveal. I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Blavatnik Awards, and grateful to the mentors and collaborators who have been part of this journey.”
Key Publications:
- I. Linial, B. D. Metzger. EMRI + TDE = QPE: Periodic X-Ray Flares from Star-Disk Collisions in Galactic Nuclei. The Astrophysical Journal, 2023.
- I. Linial, B. D. Metzger, E. Quataert. QPEs from EMRI Debris Streams Impacting Accretion Disks in Galactic Nuclei. The Astrophysical Journal, 2025.
- I. Vurm, I. Linial, B. D. Metzger. Radiation Transport Simulations of Quasiperiodic Eruptions from Star─Disk Collisions. The Astrophysical Journal, 2025.
- I. Linial, E. Quataert. Period evolution of repeating transients in galactic nuclei. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2024.
Other Honors:
2025 Hubble Postdoctoral Fellowship, NASA
2024 Leon Rosenfeld Award, Niels Bohr Institute
2022 Gruber Foundation Fellowship, International Astronomical Union/The Gruber Foundation
2022 Rothschild Fellowship, Yad-HaNadiv
2022 THEA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Columbia University
2018 Adams Fellowship, Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities
2017 Lindau Meeting Young Scientist, Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting