Baha Balantekin, Eugene P. Wigner Professor of Physics, has been elected as chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for the European Centre for Theoretical Nuclear Physics and Related Areas (ECT*) in Trento, Italy.
The Centre aims to facilitate in-depth research on topical problems at the forefront of contemporary developments in theoretical nuclear physics and related areas such as particle physics, astrophysics, and condensed-matter physics by arranging workshops and collaboration meetings. It also contributes to the training of the next generation of theorists through several programs aimed at graduate students. It is supported by the member states of the European Union.
Chairs of the ECT* Advisory Board are usually elected from a group of prominent theoretical physicists at European universities and laboratories. Balantekin is the first chair of ECT* employed by a U.S. institution. He starts his duties next month.