Speaker
Description
Understanding the growth and evolution of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) across cosmic time remains a central challenge in astrophysics. Radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGN), through their relativistic jets, provide a powerful probe of SMBH accretion and feedback, enabling studies of these processes even in the early Universe.
This talk will present ongoing and forthcoming scientific programmes in the context of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), aimed at constraining the demographics of rare SMBH populations. These include high-redshift (z ≳ 4) radio-loud AGN, as well as dual and recoiling SMBHs produced during galaxy mergers. The limited census of these systems continues to highlight key gaps in our understanding of jet physics, SMBH assembly, and merger-driven evolution.
To address these challenges, we are developing data-driven methodologies that combine wide-area radio surveys (e.g., ASKAP/EMU and future SKAO observations) with high-precision optical astrometry from Gaia, alongside multi-wavelength AGN diagnostics, enabling the systematic identification of otherwise elusive SMBH systems.
Looking ahead, SKAO will deliver transformative gains in sensitivity and survey speed, opening a new discovery space for faint and distant radio sources. In synergy with future (sub-)mm facilities such as AtLAST, these capabilities will enable a comprehensive, multi-phase view of SMBH growth and its role in shaping galaxy evolution across cosmic time.