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LSSTC Catalyst Fellowship

The LSSTC Catalyst Fellowship funded by the John Templeton Foundation supports early career researchers in astrophysics and the social sciences. The Fellowship is focused on realizing the full potential of the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), both through new discoveries and creating exceptional opportunities for astrophysics and social science researchers, including those from traditionally under-represented groups and institutions.

PRESS RELEASE: First Astrophysics Fellowship to Include a Social-Science Dimension Announces Awardees

The first six LSSTC Catalyst Fellows Funded by the John Templeton Foundation have been selected to conduct cross-disciplinary work on big data from US astronomy’s flagship Rubin LSST. These early-career scientists will study everything from black holes to galaxy formation, while collaborating to explore how social science can improve collaborations among researchers.

Dr. Beth Willman will lead the Corporation on September 7th 2022

LSSTC is pleased to announce that Dr. Beth Willman will join the Corporation starting September 7th 2022 to become its next Executive Director, taking on the previously separate roles of Chief Executive Officer and Director of Science.

LSSTC: Investing in Discovery

LSSTC, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. LSSTC was originally formed to initiate the LSST Project and advance the science of astronomy and physics.

Today, LSSTC is a coalition of more than 30 institutional members that are invested in maximizing science and community building with the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). LSSTC is an independent component of the overall LSST ecosytem, which includes (i) the federally-funded Vera C. Rubin Observatory project that is building and operating the LSST, (ii) the self-governed international LSST science collaborations, and (iii) LSSTC, a non-profit that is privately funded, through member dues, foundation support, and private donors.

LSSTC is building a future where resources are available to realize the full scientific potential of LSST data, and where networks and partnerships create a new-normal of inclusive participation in astrophysics. We are doing this by organizing member departments and institutes across the world to achieve outcomes that a single institution would have trouble achieving alone. We engage member institutions, philanthropists, foundations, and private corporations to facilitate both community-wide support and individual scientist support.