Dr. Perlman is an observational astrophysicist whose research concentrates on the nuclei of galaxies, their physics and evolution, particularly those in which the central black hole has a large rate of accretion and is abnormally active (the so-called active galactic nuclei). He also specializes in the structure and physics of high-velocity outflows from compact objects and AGN, particularly, jets. He also has a strong interest in clusters of galaxies, galactic activity in clusters and observational cosmology. He also has taken an active interest in the intersection of quantum gravity and astrophysics. He takes a multiwaveband approach to these subjects, and has worked in virtually every energy range from the radio through gamma-rays. He is also interested in the process of accretion, including events that can temporarily make black holes active (tidal disruption events). He is also pursuing interests in astrobiology, particularly the impact of active black holes on habitable planets.