Avi Loeb

Avi Loeb, the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, is a leading astrophysicist and former Chair of Harvard's Department of Astronomy (2011-2020). He directs the Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) and the Galileo Project (2021-present), while holding the Sackler Senior Professorship at Tel Aviv University. His research spans cosmology, black holes, interstellar objects, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

• Education: PhD in Physics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1986)
• Former Positions: Member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (1988-1993)

Loeb's research interests include:

• Gravitational wave detection and interstellar object analysis
• Simulation hypothesis and cosmic reality
• Technological signatures beyond the Standard Model

His recent publications focus on 3I/ATLAS, gravitational SETI, and AI alignment in space exploration. Awards include being named among TIME's 25 Most Influential People in Space (2012), 14 Most Inspiring Israelis (2020), and ranking #3 in global astronomical impact (2024). He chairs the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative and advises the National Academies' Board on Physics and Astronomy.