CSIRO's world-leading astronomy division, the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), is to get a new Director. Acclaimed astronomer Professor Brian Boyle will take up the position in July 2003.

The ATNF is one of the world leaders in radio astronomy. Its Parkes telescope helped reveal the true identity of quasars (vastly powerful galaxies in the far-distant universe), is the world's leading discoverer of pulsars (the remains of collapsed giant stars), and played critical roles in the Apollo 11 Moon landing (popularised in the recent hit movie The Dish) and the rescue of the stricken Apollo 13 mission.

At Narrabri in northern NSW the ATNF operates one of the world's leading 'synthesis' telescopes - a set of six dishes that work together to simulate a much larger one. This is one of the world's most technologically advanced radio telescopes.

Professor Boyle is currently Director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO), a joint UK-Australian facility based in Sydney, which operates two large optical telescopes at Siding Spring Observatory near Coonabarabran in NSW. He is also Chairman of the ATNF's Steering Committee.

"I am extremely pleased to welcome Professor Boyle to CSIRO," says CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Garrett. "He is a highly esteemed astronomer, and I'm sure that under his guidance the ATNF, already a significant international player, will continue from strength to strength."

"I would expect him to continue to play a key role in leading the Australian astronomical community, to help strengthen the ties between optical and radio astronomy, and cement Australia as a world leader in modern astronomy."

Professor Boyle completed his PhD at the University of Durham in the UK. He held positions at the University of Edinburgh, the Anglo-Australian Observatory and the University of Cambridge before being appointed AAO Director in 1996.

Professor Boyle has published more than 200 papers in astronomy. Last month he received a Centenary Medal from the Commonwealth Government for his contribution to the field.

He takes over from Professor Ron Ekers, who has accepted a Federation Fellowship to do research on the early universe, and from Professor Ray Norris, who has been Acting Director of the ATNF for much of the last two years.

"I look forward to the ATNF continuing to play a central role in the development and scientific exploitation of the major radio astronomy facilities of the future," says Professor Boyle.

"I'm excited by the prospect of working with the world-class team of scientists and engineers at CSIRO," says Professor Boyle.

"I aim to secure enhanced partnerships with both industry and government organisations at the national and international level to maximise the return of benefits to Australia from this important scientific and technological research."

More information:

Ms Helen Sim, Australia Telescope National Facility, 02-9372 4251, mobile: 0419-635-905

Email: Helen.Sim@csiro.au

Rosie Schmedding, CSIRO, 02 6276 6520, mobile: 0418 622 653

Email: Rosie.Schmedding@csiro.au

For more images: 

http://www.atnf.csiro.au/news/press/images/brian_boyle/