I conduct research on extreme regions of the universe and make the invisible visible: black holes.
Anton Zensus
Astrophysicist
Director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
Researches galaxies and quasars using a global network of radio telescopes
Shapes international cooperation in science and technology
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
Press and interview contact:
For interviews, background conversation and short notice commentary write to me at azensus@mpifr-bonn.mpg.de.
Personal
Professor Dr. Anton Zensus, astrophysicist and director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, has been shaping radio astronomy for over three decades. After completing his doctorate in Münster, he conducted research at renowned US institutions such as the California Institute of Technology and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. He has headed the Bonn institute since 1997. There, together with his team and international partners, he has been instrumental in advancing Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) – a technology that connects telescopes worldwide into a global observation network.
Zensus became known worldwide for his leading role in capturing the first image of a black hole – a milestone made possible by technological precision, scientific excellence, and global cooperation. For his work, he has received the Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics (2019, together with the Event Horizon Telescope Team), the Tycho Brahe Medal (2023), and the Karl Schwarzschild Medal (2024), among other awards.
Today, Anton Zensus is particularly committed to transatlantic cooperation.
My research
I explore the structure of the universe—from supermassive black holes to the cores of distant galaxies. Using very long baseline interferometry, we link telescopes around the world to make the invisible visible. This work requires precision, perseverance, and the courage to constantly push boundaries. Currently, in the M2FINDERS project, we are investigating how relativistic jets are formed in the centers of galaxies with supermassive black holes. The European Research Council is funding this research with an Advanced Investigator Grant.
International Cooperation
Science can build bridges and open up new horizons. For more than 30 years, I have been establishing partnerships between institutions in Europe, the US, China, and beyond. In doing so, I connect research across systems, disciplines, and cultures. Today, I promote projects and initiatives that combine scientific excellence with technological innovation and industrial expertise.
Science and Technology Advisor
For me, taking scientific responsibility means shaping research, strengthening networks, and building bridges between institutions.
Selected current advisory mandates:
- 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
Speaker and Mentor
Science thrives on exchange—across borders and generations. Insights and experiences only reveal their value when they are shared.
In keynotes and discussions, I bring the fascination of research to life and show why it is important for society.
As a mentor, systemic consultant, and sparring partner, I help young talents and C-level executives leverage their strengths and find new paths for their professional careers.
For inquiries about keynotes and panels or to arrange an initial consultation on systemic supervision, please write to azensus@antonzensus.de.
