Statement from CAASTRO Director Bryan Gaensler

“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to end my term as Director of CAASTRO.

I am immensely proud of what CAASTRO has become and of what it has achieved
What began in 2008 as a few people sharing ideas around a table has now grown into a dynamic world-class research centre of 160 people, all sharing a firm commitment to groundbreaking research in astrophysics.

We have produced many amazing discoveries; we have recruited some outstanding students and young researchers; we have spearheaded fresh new approaches to outreach and to gender equity; and we have fostered an enhanced sense of collaboration across the Australian astronomy community. CAASTRO is truly a centre of excellence, filled with outstanding people and underpinned by a strong culture of collegiality and respect.

The CAASTRO executive team has identified a proposed new CAASTRO Director, for whose appointment we are now seeking approval from the Australian Research Council. An announcement will be made as soon as we receive this approval. I will continue as Director during this short interim period, and will maintain my full commitment and energy to CAASTRO’s activities until my successor is in place.

From January 2015 my own path will take me to Canada, where I will commence a five-year term as director of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Toronto. The decision to leave Australia has not been an easy one, but is driven by a desire both to be closer to family and to seek out new challenges and responsibilities. I plan to retain close connections to the many astronomy projects that I am pursuing in Australia, and will be a regular visitor to these shores. The University of Toronto is an existing partner organisation within CAASTRO; through this relationship I will continue to enthusiastically participate in CAASTRO and to contribute scientifically to CAASTRO’s research programs.”

Contact details:

Professor Gaensler is on travel in Europe until 13 July 2014. During this period, he can be reached via email at bryan.gaensler@sydney.edu.au. Background information on Professor Gaensler and his work is available at caastro.org/director.