FPN17-31
US Fusion Head Ed Synakowski Departs Position
July 22, 2017
Edmund J. Synakowski, head of the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office
of Fusion Energy Sciences since 2009, will depart his post to become VP
for Research and Economic Development at the University of Wyoming
effective August 8. He will also be a tenured professor in the
Department of Physics and Astronomy there. In announcing Ed's planned
departure, Steve Binkley, Acting Director of DOE's Office of Science
said, "During his tenure here, Ed provided excellent leadership for the
national program in fusion energy sciences through some very challenging
times. His scientific expertise, professionalism, thoughtfulness, and
strategic vision have been much appreciated. We will sincerely miss him
in the Office of Science." Laurie Nichols, President of the University
of Wyoming, said, "I am delighted that a scientist of Dr. Synakoski's
stature has agreed to lead the University of Wyoming's vital research
and economic development enterprises. I am confident he will play a key
role in building upon the foundation established by Dr. Gern (the
previous VP) and others to continue to grow the university's research
portfolio -- and help UW become an even stronger intellectual engine for
the state's economy."
Ed received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988.
From 1988 through 2005 he was at the Princeton Plasma Physics
Laboratory. From 2005 to June 2009 he was the Fusion Program Leader at
the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He will leave his post at
DOE on August 5.