Jun'ichi Yokoyama Named Director of Kavli IPMU

Kavli IPMU's new Director Jun'ichi Yokoyama (Credit: Kavli IPMU)

On November 1, theoretical physicist Jun'ichi Yokoyama was welcomed as the third Director of the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI-Kavli IPMU).

Jun'ichi Yokoyama has been a central figure in the research community in Japan, leading international research efforts into cosmology of the early Universe, large-scale structure evolution, and gravitational wave physics.

He received his PhD in Physics from The University of Tokyo, and has held positions at the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics in Kyoto University, Osaka University, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, before becoming Professor at the Research Center for the Early Universe (RESCEU), The University of Tokyo in 2005, and later its Director since 2023. Yokoyama has also been a Visiting Senior Scientist at Kavli IPMU since its establishment.

Yokoyama has also served on several academic societies, including President of the Association of Asia Pacific Physical Sciences, Executive Board member of the Physical Society of Japan, President of the Asia Pacific Organization for Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics, and Chair of the Japanese Association of Theoretical Astronomers and Astrophysicists as well as the Japan Gravitational Wave Community. He also served as Chairperson of KAGRA Scientific Congress Board, the equivalent of a spokesperson of the KAGRA project, for two years until September 2023.

"I am much excited to begin my new role as Director of Kavli IPMU and look forward to exploring the mysteries of the universe with wonderful colleagues here," said new director Yokoyama.

A changing of directors ceremony was held on October 26, as Hirosi Ooguri, who served as the institute's second director for the past five years, handed the baton over to Yokoyama.

"I am delighted that Professor Jun'ichi Yokoyama has accepted the role of Director, and I look forward to the future development of the Kavli IPMU under his leadership," said Ooguri.