AGN feedback

Theoretical arguments suggest that the energy released by the black hole at the center of most galaxies may generate powerful gas outflows on galactic scales that are crucial in shaping the properties of the interstellar medium (ISM) and consequently the growth of galaxies.  Such outflows may be one of the most common manifestatio of the so-called AGN-feedback. Understanding the physics of these outflows and their actual impact on their host galaxy is currently my main research topic. I am using a variety of observational probes, ranging from IFU observations in the optical (MUSE/VLT) and NIR (SINFONI/VLT), to mm interferometry (ALMA).  I am P.I. of a 280 hours SINFONI survey named SUPER to obtain the first statistically sound investigation of AGN outflows at z~2.  I am also activelly involved in other major surveys to study AGN feedback both at low and high redshift: the WISSH survey and the Quasar Feedback Survey.