Patrick McCarthy Named Director of New NSF OIR Lab

Patrick McCarthy, Director, National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory

AURA has selected Patrick (Pat) McCarthy, the Vice President of the Giant Magellan Telescope project and Astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science, as the new Director of the NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. He begins his 5-year term on 1 October 2019. Beth Willman is the new organization’s Deputy Director.

A world-recognized astronomical leader, McCarthy’s seminal work on galaxy evolution and the high redshift universe has earned him broad scientific respect and recognition. With more than thirty years of history with our national astronomy facilities (KPNO, CTIO, CSDC, Gemini, and LSST), both as a frequent observer and as a member of advisory and oversight committees, he brings to the new organization his skills in international collaboration and team building, as well as experience with all aspects of scientific research, from data acquisition to advanced data processing and archiving.

McCarthy’s experience with large projects, including instruments for Hubble and his leadership roles in the Giant Magellan Telescope Project, will be helpful as the new organization charts its path forward in the coming decade and beyond. His appointment was strongly endorsed by the Director Search Committee led by Laura Ferrarese (National Research Council of Canada), as well as the AURA Board of Directors.

Welcome Pat!