The National Research Foundation (NRF) announced on Thursday the appointment of Professor Ted Williams as director of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).
Williams brought a wealth of experience, including research in observational extra-galactic astronomy and instrumentation development, said spokesperson for the NRF Palesa Mokoena in a statement.
Williams had also held leadership positions at the Southern African Large Telescope (Salt) and Rutgers University Department of Physics and Astronomy, in New Jersey in the US.
"Prof Williams has served as Director of the Graduate Programme and Associate Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department at Rutgers from 2002-2005, and again since 2010," said Mokoena.
He has also been involved in the development of Salt since its inception, serving on the board of directors since 1998 and chairman since 2005.
"We believe that Professor Williams has the leadership skills and scientific vision to serve effectively as the director of the SAAO," said NRF CEO Dr Albert van Jaarsveld.
The appointment would take effect from 1 January 2013.
NRF announces new astronomy director
