What's Happening?
Norbert Holtkamp has been appointed as the new director of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois, effective January 12. The announcement was made by Paul Alivisatos,
President of the University of Chicago, which co-operates Fermilab under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Holtkamp, who previously served as the deputy director of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University, brings extensive experience in managing large-scale scientific projects. His past work includes overseeing the construction of the Linac Coherent Light Source upgrade and other significant projects at SLAC. Holtkamp's appointment follows his earlier tenure at Fermilab from 1998 to 2001, where he contributed to the commissioning of the lab's most powerful particle accelerator. He succeeds Young-Kee Kim, who served as interim director. Holtkamp is tasked with continuing Fermilab's modernization efforts and advancing major projects like the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility-Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF-DUNE).
Why It's Important?
Holtkamp's appointment is significant for Fermilab's future as it continues to play a crucial role in advancing scientific understanding of the universe. His leadership is expected to bolster Fermilab's position as a leading research facility in neutrino science, which is vital for understanding fundamental particles and forces. The successful completion of the LBNF-DUNE project is particularly important, as it aims to provide insights into neutrino behavior and the origins of matter. Holtkamp's experience in managing large-scale scientific projects is likely to enhance Fermilab's capabilities in pioneering scientific discovery. This transition in leadership also underscores the ongoing collaboration between major research institutions and the U.S. Department of Energy, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in scientific research infrastructure.
