Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics replaces Department of Astronomy

Contacts:

Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering, rzurn@umn.edu, (612) 626-7959

Preston Smith, University News Service, smith@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/1/2011) — The University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering has established the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics within the School of Physics and Astronomy, replacing the former Department of Astronomy. Bob Gehrz, former Department of Astronomy chair, has accepted an appointment as the founding director of the institute. The changes occurred July 1, 2011.

The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics brings together 20 faculty members in the School of Physics and Astronomy conducting research in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and space science under a single banner. The institute will continue administering the University's undergraduate and graduate programs in astrophysics. It will also help coordinate astrophysics research within the growing astrophysics program.

In addition, the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics will work actively to develop new research funding opportunities and to seek endowed support for its key functions, including the University's involvement in the Large Binocular Telescope project.

“Please join with me in congratulating director Bob Gehrz and all of the institute's members on the launch of this new flagship for astrophysics research in Minnesota,” said Ron Poling, head of the School of Physics and Astronomy. “I expect the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics will bring even greater success and visibility to this exciting and successful part of the University's research portfolio.”

For more information, visit http://www.astro.umn.edu/.