ATNF Director takes up Miller Professorship
Director of the ATNF, Prof Ron Ekers, is on leave from 1 July 2001 to 1 April 2002, to take up a prestigious Miller Professorship at the University of California Berkeley astronomy department. The visit is particularly timely because a privately funded radio telescope, The Allen Telescope Array, embracing a range of innovative new technologies is now being designed by the University of California and the SETI Institute.
Whilst on leave Prof Ekers will have some time to pursue neglected research activities and continue his involvement in international activities. These include new duties as President Elect of the International Astronomical Union; working as the Chair of the International Square Kilometre Array Steering Committee (ISSC); and participating in the OECD Global Science Forum Working Group on Radio Frequency Interference. While in North America, Prof Ekers will promote ATNF activities and plans for the Square Kilometre Array. He will also spend some time developing interactions between CSIRO and companies in the region.
Until Prof Ekers returns next April, Prof Ray Norris, Deputy Director of the ATNF is Acting Director, Mr John Brooks continues as Assistant Director and Dr Dick Manchester is the Acting Chair of the Australia Telescope Time Assignment Committee.
Steven Tingay
(Steven.Tingay@csiro.au)