The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 1st that it has appointed Misao Sasaki, former deputy director of the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (IPMU) at the University of Tokyo, as the 10th director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP). The term is for three years.
The new director, Misao Sasaki, is a world-renowned scholar in the fields of cosmology and gravitational theory. He is credited with developing the 'Sasaki-Mukahan variables,' which provide a theoretical framework for explaining cosmic structure formation, establishing a key foundation for modern cosmological research.
In recognition of these achievements, he received the Humboldt Research Award in 2008, the Daiwa Adrian Award in 2010, and last year, he was awarded the Lee Hwi-soo Award by the Asia-Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics, given to scientists who achieve Nobel-level research results.
Kugyang, chairperson of the director candidate selection committee and chairman of the Samsung Future Technology Foundation, assessed that Sasaki Misao, the new director, is the optimal person to lead the strengthening of APCTP's leadership. Kugyang stated, "The selection of Professor Sasaki is expected to provide an opportunity for APCTP to further expand its global research network and fulfill its role in training the next generation of researchers and promoting international joint research."
New director Misao Sasaki noted, "Theoretical physics is a discipline that connects with other fields to provide new insights," and emphasized, "As the integration with theoretical physics becomes increasingly important in cutting-edge research across various fields, I will do my utmost to ensure that APCTP can serve as a model platform for organic cooperation among researchers in the Asia-Pacific region and the fusion of various academic fields."