On 9 May 2008 Professor Andy Fabian of the University of Cambridge will
become President of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), the largest
professional astronomical body in Europe. Professor Fabian will take
over from incumbent President Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson at the
annual general meeting of the RAS and will serve until May 2010.
Professor Fabian has been active in professional astronomy since the
early 1970s, having received his degrees from the University of London
(BSc, King's; PhD, University College). His current research interests
are black holes, clusters of galaxies and X-ray astronomy. In
recognition of his work he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)
in 1996 and awarded an OBE in 2006. He was awarded the Rossi prize
(jointly with Y. Tanaka) of the American Astronomical Society in 2001
and the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics by the American Physical
Society and the American Astronomical Society in 2008. He is Vice Master
of Darwin College, Cambridge.
Professor Fabian is delighted to be taking up his new role. He comments,
"It is a great honour to take up the office of President of the RAS. In
today's uncertain funding climate, astronomers, space scientists and
geophysicists need the support of a professional body more than ever.
Over my two years I will be working very hard to make sure that our
voice is heard and that our work receives the recognition it deserves.
Some of the most exciting cutting-edge discoveries are made in
astronomy, space science and geophysics and the public rightly holds
them in high esteem. Our science has a bright future - provided we
receive the support we need."
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