We also revived classical observing with the Priority Visitor Observing mode that mitigates weather issues , and attracted more young researchers to visit us with the Bring- One , Get-One mode . Perhaps most importantly , we adopted a culture in which the science of our users drives the observatory operations ( and not the other way around , as is often seen at mature and / or introverted facilities ). Overall , Gemini has become a most valuable resource for our scientific community .
We are now very proud to see many happy faces among our users who deliver more science than ever .
So where to from here ?
I am extremely happy that Laura Ferrarese has accepted a one-year term as Interim Director of the Gemini Observatory . Starting on July 1st , she will serve in this position from Hilo , Hawai ‘ i , while AURA conducts an international search for a permanent Director . Most of you already know Laura as an internationally recognized researcher , or past president of the Canadian Astronomical Society ( CASCA ). She also has a long history with Gemini , most recently as Chair of the AURA Oversight Council for Gemini . Strong and committed , she is extremely well-qualified to lead Gemini during this critical period in which Gemini will be flowing into the National Science Foundation ’ s larger National Center for Optical-infrared Astronomy structure ( see Director ’ s Message , GeminiFocus , April 2017 ).
We have a lot of exciting initiatives underway at Gemini , and Laura will keep our vision clear !
Laura will be supported by the new Deputy Director , Henry Roe , who started in May , and who will be based in La Serena , Chile , beginning in late August . Henry joined us from the Lowell Observatory , though most of you will remember him as the first chair of Gemini ’ s , then newly formed , Science and Technology Advisory Committee from 2011 to 2014 . He comes with a deep understanding of Gemini and a wealth of experience in instrumentation and planetary science .
Laura and Henry have already started working with the current Gemini leadership team , so the transition should be seamless .
I will leave with a smile on my face — looking back at all of Gemini ’ s achievements over the last several years — and a tear in my eye — leaving such a wonderful and dedicated staff at the Gemini Observatory . I am stepping out happy and fulfilled , confident that Gemini will continue to serve its user community well . May Gemini long continue to honor its purpose : “‘ Exploring the Universe , Sharing its Wonders !”
Markus Kissler-Patig is the past Gemini Observatory Director .
2 GeminiFocus July 2017
We also revived classical observing with the
Priority Visitor Observing mode that miti-
gates weather issues, and attracted more
young researchers to visit us with the Bring-
One, Get-One mode. Perhaps most impor-
tantly, we adopted a culture in which the
science of our users drives the observatory
operations (and not the other way around,
as is often seen at mature and/or introvert-
ed facilities). Overall, Gemini has become
a most valuable resource for our scientific
community.
We are now very proud to see many happy
faces among our users who deliver more
science than ever.
So where to from here?
New Leadership
I am extremely happy that Laura Ferrarese
has accepted a one-year term as Interim
Director of the Gemini Observatory. Start-
ing on July 1st, she will serve in this position
from Hilo, Hawai‘i, while AURA conducts an
international search for a permanent Direc-
tor. Most of you already know Laura as an
internationally recognized researcher, or
past president of the Canadian Astronomi-
cal Society (CASCA). She also has a long
history with Gemini, most recently as Chair
of the AURA Oversight Council for Gemini.
Strong and committed, she is extremely
well-qualified to lead Gemini during this
critical period in which Gemini will be flow-
ing into the National Science Foundation’s
larger National Center for Optical-infrared
Astronomy structure (see Director’s Mes-
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