The Museum of Science and the Universe appoints its new director

The Museum of Science and the Universe appoints its new director

Antonia Varela, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), will take over from Hector Socas.

he Tenerife Councilbased on a suggestion Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC)The researcher was appointed Antonia Varela As the new manager of Museum of Science and the Universe.

Antonia Varela She is a researcher at IAC and a member of IAC Sky Quality Group to Description of the Canary Islands observatories And based on Star formation explosion cluster. In addition, Varela is a director Starlight Foundation. Through an agreement between Independent Organization of Museums and Centers of Tenerife With the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary IslandsHistorically, all museum directors have been IAC researchers or employees.

advisor Culture and museums in Tenerife, Jose Carlos Achahighlights that “in this final stage of Museum of Science and the Universe, Hector Socas He has led the organization impeccably. We know that Antonia Varela He will live up to that, and will ensure that the museum maintains its reputation, while positioning itself at the forefront of science.

Among more than a hundred contributions to conferences and publications in scientific journals, Antonia Varela stands out with her article in the prestigious journal Sciences About light pollution and other threats to the night sky. In addition to her contributions to research, Varela has worked throughout her career as a professor of science Astronomy at the Senior and Senior University of La Laguna. Among his confessions Women's Science and Innovation Awardwhich is awarded by the magazine More woman To the most relevant Canary women of the year.

After her appointment, Varela stated that “for her this appointment represents great pride and responsibility. For this reason, I do not want to stop thanking the trust placed in me to continue the progress that my predecessors have already begun to develop.”

Varela also highlighted that his goals in this position include “making the museum a point of interest, placing it in the network of museums both nationally and internationally, and turning it into a museum.” A meeting point for discussion and awareness about climate change“And also the need to preserve our skies.”

“he Museum of Science and the Universe It should be a unique place to disseminate science and encourage the discovery of scientific advances. So, we'll soon be supplementing everything we already have with Update content And New technologies And artificial intelligence. “These developments will also be developed into new modules to continue positioning itself as one of the best places in the world for astronomy,” says Varela.