IAS hosts Physics Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Reinhard Genzel

The Institute of Advanced Studies had the honor of hosting in January, as our Lowy Distinguished Guest Professor, Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics and Director at the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany, Professor Dr. Reinhard Genzel.

In the framework of his visit, Professor Dr. Genzel delivered the annual Yuval Ne'eman Memorial Physics Colloquium, providing an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in black hole research. He detailed how three key experimental techniques — high-resolution near-infrared radio imaging, interferometry, and gravitational wave measurements — have revolutionized our understanding of the existence of Schwarzschild/Kerr black holes, particularly within the Galactic Center and other galaxies. Prof. Dr. Genzel also discussed the co-evolution of galaxies and black holes, highlighting new discoveries such as the puzzling detection of massive black holes by the James Webb Space Telescope, which appear to have formed only a few hundred million years after the Big Bang.

IAS Director Prof. Marek Karliner and Prof. Dr. Reinhard Genzel.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020, alongside Andrea Ghez, for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of the Milky Way, Prof. Dr. Genzel’s research continues to shape the future of experimental astrophysics. His work focuses on the evolution of active galaxies, their central regions, and the development of innovative instrumentation for large-scale telescopes.

In addition to his lecture, Prof. Dr. Genzel participated in a special interview with Prof. Amiel Sternberg from Tel Aviv University's School of Physics and Astronomy. The conversation, which was part of the podcast series “Science, Quantum and Space”, delved into Prof. Dr. Genzel’s remarkable journey in science and astrophysics. The interview highlighted the groundbreaking research that led to the discovery of the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy, as well as the strong scientific collaboration between Germany and Israel. This inspiring episode celebrated Prof. Genzel's life dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the universe and his lasting contributions to astrophysics.

The IAS is proud to promote academic excellence by inviting and hosting such eminent experts. Tel Aviv University and the international scientific community continue to benefit from these vital exchanges, fostering global partnerships in the pursuit of understanding the cosmos.