The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, has appointed Andrew Siemion as an Honorary Professor in Astronomy. Siemion is the Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI at the SETI Institute and Principal Investigator for the Breakthrough Listen Initiative at the University of California, Berkeley. 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester is one of the largest and most active departments in the U.K., and are known as leaders in radio astronomy. In particular, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics (JBCA), includes the university’s Jodrell Bank Observatory. The Observatory operates the 76-m Lovell Telescope and the UK’s national facility for radio astronomy, e-MERLIN. 

“JBCA is a world-class powerhouse in astronomy research and education, and I am thrilled to accept this appointment,” said Siemion.  “This role will provide a greatly enhanced opportunity to potentiate collaboration between the SETI Institute and the students and faculty at the University of Manchester and Jodrell Bank Observatory, including our ATA and VLA radio technosignature efforts.”

According to Prof. Michael Garrett (JBCA Director), Siemion is a leading player in SETI research. “It’s great to have Andrew as part of the team – his expertise can help us realise a significant SETI capability here in the UK, using Jodrell Bank telescope facilities and an eager pool of young graduate students”. 

The SETI Institute congratulates Andrew Siemion on this new appointment!