Scientist who connects across divides
Anton Zensus
Astrophysicist
Director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
Researches galaxies and quasars using a global network of radio telescopes
Expert for Very Long Baseline Interferometry
Initiator of the global Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, which produced the first image of a black hole in 2019
Advisor for transatlantic and international cooperation in science and technology
Biography, selected
Professor Anton Zensus is an astrophysicist and director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn.
After completing his doctorate in Münster, he conducted research at leading US institutions, including the California Institute of Technology and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
Since 1997, he has been serving as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, where he and his team, together with international partners, have further developed the technology of “very long baseline interferometry.” This method connects telescopes worldwide into a global observation instrument—the basis for groundbreaking advances in radio astronomy.
Zensus gained international recognition for his leading role in capturing the first image of a black hole – a scientific breakthrough that combined precision and global collaboration.
He has received several awards for his research, including the Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics (2019, jointly with the EHT team), the Tycho Brahe Medal (2023), and the Karl Schwarzschild Medal (2024).
Today, he is committed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and building trust in research across continents.
Academic Career
Abitur at the Nicolaus Cusanus Grammar School in Bergisch Gladbach 1976
PhD student at the MPIfR 1982-1984
Scholarship holder of the German National Academic Foundation 1982-1984
Doctorate in 1984 and diploma in physics in 1982 from the University of Münster
Researcher at the California Institute of Technology Caltech and at the NRAO from 1985 to 1991
Scientist at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) since 1991, with tenure from Associated Universities Inc. since 1996
Scientific member of the Max Planck Society and director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn since 1997
Honorary professor at the University of Cologne since 2005
Honors
Karl Schwarzschild Medal of the Astronomical Society 2024
Tycho Brahe Medal of the European Astronomical Society 2023
With the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration: Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics 2020, Group Award of the Royal Astronomical Society 2021, Einstein Medal of the Swiss Einstein Society 2020, Bruno Rossi Group Award of the American Astronomical Society 2020 and other awards.
Gold Medal of the Institute for Applied Astrophysics St. Petersburg 2013
Radioastron Medal of the Astro Space Center Moscow 2012
Max Planck Research Award 1999
Alexander von Humboldt Research Award 1994
Responsibility
For me, taking scientific responsibility means shaping research, strengthening networks, and building bridges between institutions. This is reflected in this current selection:
Director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
Founding Chair & Board Member of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration
Advisor to the President of the Max Planck Society for Transatlantic Scientific Cooperation
Member of the Physics Review Board of the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Scientific Coordinator of the RadioNet Consortium (EU)
Member of the Astronomy Committee of Assiciated universities Inc. (USA)
Member of the Science Advisory Board of the ngVLA – Next Generation Very Large Array Project (USA)
Member of the Advisory Board of Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (China)
Member of the Board of Trustees of Deutsches Museum
I explore the structure of the Universe
… from supermassive black holes to the cores of distant galaxies. Using very long baseline interferometry, we connect telescopes around the globe to make the invisible visible. This research requires precision and perseverance—and the courage to constantly think beyond boundaries.
Publications
My research is published in the astronomical literature. Current results are available as preprints before publication.
Research at the frontiers of knowledge
Shaping International Science
Science builds bridges
… and opens new perspectives. I foster exchange between Europe, the United States, and partners worldwide—to connect research across systems, disciplines, and cultures. I also support collaborations that bring together scientific excellence, technological innovation, and industrial expertise.
Event Horizon Telescope
In 2017, I founded the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration (EHTC) with international partners and became chair of the EHTC Collaboration Council. We brought together the world’s most powerful radio telescopes and over 200 scientists and engineers from more than 60 institutions. In 2019, we succeeded in capturing the first image of a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87. This image is considered one of the most significant scientific achievements of the decade and has been viewed by over a billion people—the invisible became visible. In 2022, we published the image of the black hole in our own galaxy, the Milky Way, another important breakthrough.
RadioNet
Europe is home to world-class radio telescopes that enable a wide range of astrophysical studies. These facilities are open to qualified scientists in Europe and worldwide and promote cutting-edge research. For over 20 years, we have been cooperating with the European Commission in the RadioNet project to provide access, technical developments and training. For eight years, I led this project as a coordinator. Today, as scientific coordinator of the successor project OPTICON-RADIONET PILOT ORP, I am working to ensure that these research opportunities continue into the future.
Linking science and responsibility
Science needs dialogue
… across borders and generations. Insights gain significance when they are shared. I want to make research visible, empower promising talent, and help science provide trust and guidance in an open society.
Sharing experience
Throughout my career, I have learned from brilliant pioneers in my field. I myself am committed to the sustainable training of young scientists, and I mentor research leaders on their way to the top.
Systemic Counseling
My many years of working with diverse international teams have led me to integrate systemic approaches into my leadership style. As a systemic supervisor, coach, and change manager, I offer executives in academia new perspectives on leading and supporting employees.
Perspectives & Highlights
In conversation & in the media
Let's start a conversation
I welcome exchanges on research, international collaboration, and science communication. For lectures, interviews, or joint projects, you can reach me via the contact form or LinkedIn.
Get in touch!
