Jonathan Dorfan, a Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) professor of physics and director emeritus of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, has been named president-elect of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, located in Okinawa, Japan. He will become OIST’s first president and CEO of the OIST School Corporation once the university receives its accreditation, expected in late 2011.
Dorfan, who has worked for Stanford and SLAC for more than 30 years, was named the laboratory’s director in 1999. In this position, he transformed SLAC from a single-purpose particle research station to a multi-faceted laboratory that excelled in photon science, particle physics, astrophysics and accelerator science. He also strengthened SLAC’s association with the University, developing joint SLAC-Stanford institutes.
Dorfan said that he would use his experiences at SLAC to help him at OIST, where part of his job description includes building cross-disciplinary connections and improving collaboration with academia and industry worldwide. Furthermore, he indicated that his time at SLAC has prepared him for the international aspect of his new job.
“I have enjoyed my role at SLAC working with the international community,” he said. “In directing SLAC, I was responsible for a laboratory that is home to researchers from more than 25 nations worldwide.”
Along with these tasks, Dorfan will also focus on recruiting additional faculty and students, developing a curriculum and broadening research horizons. Despite the rigor of his new job, Dorfan stated that he was excited and optimistic about his new job.
“I look forward to the opportunity to be part of establishing a new international research university that will combine outstanding talent [from] around the world in an environment that is optimized for unrestricted, curiosity-driven research,” he said.
President John Hennessy praised Dorfan in a press release.
“Jonathan Dorfan is an excellent choice to lead the new Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University,” Hennessy said. “As a physicist and as SLAC’s third director, he demonstrated leadership and vision, attracting great scientists and inspiring them to work collaboratively to advance our knowledge in this new century. Beyond Stanford’s borders, he has been an outstanding statesman for science.”
— Daniel Rubin