Cristina Popescu has been named as the Division J President of the International Astronomical Union
A University of Central Lancashire astrophysicist has been named president of a world-famous astronomy organisation.
Cristina Popescu, Professor of Astrophysics, has been elected President of the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Division J, which covers Galaxies and Cosmology.
The Professor, who is based in the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute within the School of Engineering and Computing, said: “I feel extremely honoured to have been elected to such a prestigious position and to represent the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and the University of Central Lancashire at the highest international level.
“The International Astronomical Union is the most important professional organisation in our field, with almost 13,000 members from 110 countries, and working together with the national astronomical societies throughout the world, including with the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK. It cooperates with the International Science Council and UNESCO.”
"I feel extremely honoured to have been elected to such a prestigious position and to represent the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and the University of Central Lancashire at the highest international level"
— Cristina Popescu, Professor of Astrophysics
She has already held leadership positions in the IAU, being Vice-President of IAU Division J between 2021 and 2024, IAU President of Commission J1 ‘The Spectral Energy Distribution of Galaxies’ between 2018 and 2021, and Vice-President of this Commission between 2015 and 2018.
Professor Popescu’s own research investigates the formation and evolution of galaxies by studying the detailed physical processes that take place in these complex systems related to the interaction of radiation with dust, gas and cosmic rays and she has pioneered and developed this field of research.
After being promoted to the top position during the IAU’s recent General Assembly in Cape Town, she commented: “As president of the largest Division of the IAU, I am committed to providing scientific leadership to the international scientific community working in this field, which is my own field of research.”
The IAU is the leading organisation for professional astronomers from across the world who are active in professional research, education and astronomy outreach at PhD level and beyond.
"She is now holding one of the most prestigious roles within the IAU and Cristina’s presidency is recognition of her scientific reputation and international impact of research"
— Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, Director of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute
Founded in 1919, the IAU’s mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation.
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, Director of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, added: “Cristina’s appointment as President of the largest division within the IAU is fantastic and fully deserved.
“She is now holding one of the most prestigious roles within the IAU and Cristina’s presidency is recognition of her scientific reputation and international impact of research.”