Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gerard van Belle as its new President and Observatory Director. An accomplished astrophysicist and expert in optical instrumentation, Dr. van Belle brings decades of observational and technical leadership to LCO. He succeeds Dr. Lisa Storrie-Lombardi, who has served as President and Observatory Director since 2019.
Dr. van Belle comes to LCO following 14 years at Lowell Observatory, where he directed operations and technology developments for the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in partnership with the U.S. Naval Observatory and Naval Research Laboratory. For the last two years, he was Lowell’s Director of Science. Throughout his distinguished career, which includes pivotal roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Caltech, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and Northern Arizona University, Dr. van Belle has specialized in optical telescope arrays, interferometry, and high-precision astronomical instrumentation. He designed and built over $10 million in camera hardware for the Keck Interferometer and led community development for NASA's Space Interferometry Mission. Dr. van Belle’s scientific research at these institutions on the temperatures, radii, and shapes of nearby stars are recognized as the gold standard in measurements of these fundamental stellar parameters.
"Dr. van Belle brings to LCO a depth of experience in optical astronomy, engineering, and facility leadership. His technical expertise and strategic insights will ensure that LCO plays a key role in accelerating the pace of astronomical discovery,” said Dr. Lars Bildsten, Chair of the LCO Board of Directors. "We are excited by his arrival and look forward to working with him to make the most of LCO in this exciting era of time domain astronomy.”
Founded in 2005 by technologist Wayne Rosing, LCO operates a unique world-class global network of robotic optical telescopes designed for 24/7 continuous monitoring of the night sky.
"When I created LCO, the vision was to build a global network that would never let the sun set on astronomical events," said Wayne Rosing, Founder of LCO. "Gerard has shared an appreciation for LCO's mission since our earliest days. His passion for innovative optical systems, paired with a commitment to robust software engineering and network growth, will keep LCO at the forefront of global astronomy."
Dr. van Belle takes the reins at a dynamic moment for time-domain astronomy. With large survey facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope coming online, LCO's continuous follow-up capabilities will be essential for investigating fast-moving phenomena, from exoplanet microlensing to interstellar asteroids.
"It has been a privilege to lead Las Cumbres Observatory, working alongside our brilliant team and with our global scientific community," said outgoing Director Dr. Lisa Storrie-Lombardi. "I am thrilled to hand the reins to Gerard. His experience and vision make him the ideal choice to lead LCO into what is truly the decade of time domain astronomy.”
As Director, Dr. van Belle aims to solidify LCO's role as the preeminent global facility for time-domain follow-up observations. His vision includes maximizing the output of LCO's existing robotic telescope network, exploring future ground- and space-based expansion opportunities, and developing resources that will support perpetual scientific impact.
"I have been intrigued and excited by LCO's revolutionary model since its development phase," said Dr. van Belle. "The combination of world-class infrastructure, sophisticated software, and an agile global network is a real gem. I am honored to lead this incredible team as we prepare to capture the flood of new astronomical discoveries on the horizon."
Dr. van Belle holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Wyoming, a M.A. in Physics from The Johns Hopkins University, and a combined Physics-Astronomy degree from Whitman College. A licensed pilot and avid builder of astronomical instruments, he brings a practical hands-on approach to managing complex observatories.
