Professor seconded to prestigious Italian Observatory<\/p>\n
Co-Director of the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) Professor Steven Tingay has been selected as the founding director of the new Osservatorio di Radio Astronomia (Radio Astronomy Observatory) for the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), on a three-year tenure.<\/p>\n
Whilst maintaining his links with Curtin, Professor Tingay will lead Italy\u2019s contribution to the landmark billion-dollar Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, to be constructed in Western Australia and South Africa.<\/p>\n
Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development Professor Graeme Wright said fostering strong relationships with international institutions was crucial to the development of Curtin\u2019s rising research profile, as evidenced by recent large improvements in Curtin\u2019s global ranking.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough it will be hard not to have Steven on campus for three years, the work he will complete in Italy will be of infinite benefit to Curtin University, Western Australia and Australia, and we will welcome him back with open arms upon his return,\u201d Professor Wright said.<\/p>\n
President of the National Institute of Astrophysics Professor Giovanni Bignami said Professor Tingay\u2019s appointment was a coup for Italian radio astronomy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a great success for INAF and all Italian radio astronomy to have a foreign director with such high profile that will move from Australia to head the new prestigious Radio Astronomy Observatory,” President Bignami said.<\/p>\n