ASTRON has announced that Prof. Dr. Geoffrey C. Bower will become its new Director as of 1 September 2026, succeeding Prof. Dr. Jessica Dempsey.
Currently Director of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii and President of the East Asian Observatory, Prof. Bower brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong scientific background in radio astronomy. His research spans black holes, neutron stars, radio transients, and cutting-edge radio instrumentation, and he is a recipient of the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
At a pivotal time for radio astronomy, with LOFAR2.0 coming online and SKA-LOW entering science verification—his appointment is expected to further strengthen ASTRON’s role in driving innovation and discovery. Read the full announcement.
Image: ASTRON