TOS and SET Group at the MESA Summer School 2025

The TOS and SET groups were strongly represented at this year’s MESA Summer School, held at KU Leuven, Belgium, from 21-25 July 2025.

The annual summer school brings together researchers from around the world to learn and share best practices with the MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) code. MESA is an open-source, state-of-the-art tool for stellar evolution studies. Developed and maintained by an international team of researchers, MESA’s modular and flexible design makes it a powerful platform for investigating astrophysical processes ranging from stellar structure and evolution to supernovae, asteroseismology, binary star interactions, tides, and nucleosynthesis.

Through interactive labs, direct engagement with MESA developers and experienced users, and a collaborative learning environment, participants of the Summer School were able to learn how to make the most of MESA for their own research. This year’s program featured a wide range of labs. Highlights included:

Massive Stars in Binaries presented by HITS alumna
Eva Laplace (SET group)

Red Giant Evolution presented by HITS Group Leader Saskia Hekker (TOS group)

In addition, Vincent Bronner (SET group) and Beatriz Bordadágua (TOS group) contributed as teaching assistants, further strengthening the presence of our groups within this international training event.

For more details, see the MESA School Leuven.