Gemini Observatory announced Friday the selection of its new director, Markus Kissler-Patig. Gemini Observatory announced Friday the selection of its new director, Markus Kissler-Patig. Kissler-Patig’s appointment began Aug. 1. He succeeds Fred Chaffee, the interim director who had served since
Gemini Observatory announced Friday the selection of its new director, Markus Kissler-Patig.
Kissler-Patig’s appointment began Aug. 1. He succeeds Fred Chaffee, the interim director who had served since May 2011.
The Swiss-born astronomer has served as the project scientist for the European Southern Observatory Extremely Large Telescope project and as an instrument scientist for a variety of Very Large Telescope instruments.
“My passion for science and drive for excellence are my main motivations for taking up the challenge of Gemini director,” Patig said in a statement. “This is a time when the scientific output of the Gemini telescopes is expected to sharpen and I’m anxious to focus on that goal with the help of the Gemini community.”
