The aim of the GRAPPA center of excellence is to bring together theoretical physicists, astronomers and particle physicists, in order to answer some of the most profound questions in particle astrophysics and cosmology.

Nissanke is currently an assistant professor at the University of Amsterdam. She is a joint faculty member at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy and the Institute for High Energy Physics, and is already a member of GRAPPA.

Nissanke's predecessor, Gianfranco Bertone, said: 'I am sure that thanks to her scientific excellence, enthusiasm and leadership, Samaya will shine in this role. I look forward to seeing GRAPPA further strengthening its scientific impact and establishing its presence at the local, national and international level under her leadership.'