Moniz Named Physics Head Professor Ernest J. Moniz, director of the Bates Linear Accelerator Center since 1983, has been named head of the Department of Physics, effective September 1. Professor Moniz, a theoretical nuclear physicist, has gained wide recognition for his frontier work on the interaction of pions with nuclei.
Pions are short-lived particles primarily responsible for the nuclear force.
Professor Moniz has been instrumental in developing what is widely considered to be the fundamental description of pion-nuclei interactions. His appointment as department head was announced by Dean of Science Robert J. Birgeneau, who was head of physics when he was named dean earlier this year. Dr. Birgeneau is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics. In making the announcement, Professor Birgeneau said that Professor Moniz combines outstanding research accomplishments with an excellent record of administration at Bates and a deep interest in education. Professor Moniz was enthusiastically recommended to the dean by the Physics Head Advisory Committee chaired by Professor Thomas J. Greytak, Professor Birgeneau said.