Nov
18

Search committee formed for new director of SAO

The search is underway for the next Director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.  Charles Alcock, director since 2004, has announced he will step down from that position in 2021.

Headshot of Charles Alcock
Charles Alcock
Director, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University

A search committee has been appointed to identify, evaluate and recommend candidates for the position: 

  • Edo Berger, Harvard University, Department of Astronomy
  • Pepi Fabbiano, Co-Chair, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • David Johnston, Harvard University, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Mercedes López-Morales, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • Ramesh Narayan, Co-Chair, Harvard University, Department of Astronomy
  • Karin Oberg, Harvard University, Department of Astronomy
  • Mark Reid, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • Michael J. Tuteur, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Advisory Board Chair

Ex Officio:

  • Greg Bettwy, Smithsonian Institution, Chief of Staff to the Secretary
  • Zoë Fonseca-Kelly, Harvard University, Assistant Dean for Science

The search firm of Isaacson, Miller has also been engaged to assist Harvard University and the Smithsonian with this search.  

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Posted: 18 November 2020
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.