Turner Goes to Washington

Turner goes to Washington. University of Chicago astrophysicist Michael Turner has been named to a two-year term as NSF’s assistant director for mathematical and physical sciences (MPS). Turner, who recently chaired the National Research Council’s committee on physics of the universe, will take over as head of the $1 billion directorate on 1 October. The directorate supports research in physics, chemistry, astronomy, materials science, mathematics, and several interdisciplinary fields.

“I believe there is a special opportunity to give the physical sciences a boost and realize some great opportunities for discovery, and I think I can make a difference,” Turner said after his appointment was announced in late June. “NSF is in a unique position to articulate the importance of research in the physical sciences to the nation and to lead the effort to ensure that they are properly supported.”

Turner will take a leave of absence from the University of Chicago, where he chairs the department of astronomy and astrophysics. He is also a senior scientist at Fermilab. Turner succeeds Robert Eisenstein, who headed the directorate from 1997 to 2002. Acting assistant director John Hunt will remain in the job until Turner arrives.