Robert Simcoe named director of MIT Kavli Institute
The School of Science has announced that Robert Simcoe, the Francis L. Friedman Professor of Physics, will be the new director of MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI). Simcoe takes over from Professor Jacqueline Hewitt, who held the post for more than 15 years. “Rob’s passion for studying the universe combined with his hands-on knowledge of instrumentation development will serve him well as he seeks to support MKI’s research programs across many areas,” says Michael Sipser, dean of the School of Science. “I look forward to working with him to keep the MIT Kavli Institute on its upward trajectory.” Simcoe currently serves on the MKI steering committee and is the faculty lead for MKI’s astronomical instrumentation group. An amateur astronomer and telescope maker from his youth, Simcoe says he is thrilled to be leading the institute that inspires so many young scientists and researchers. “I have enjoyed astronomy since as far back...