Anton Zensus
Astrophysicist.
exploring the universe.
connecting science.
offering perspective where it matters.
I am an astrophysicist working at the intersection of fundamental research and international collaboration in radio astronomy.
Fundamental research expands knowledge, drives progress, and strengthens the foundations on which societies make long-term decisions.
first picture of a black hole.
With my team and international partners, I advanced Very Long Baseline Interferometry, linking radio telescopes across the globe and enabling the first image of a black hole.
new chapter.
Today, as emeritus, I continue my astrophysical research and work with institutions and leaders in science and international cooperation, contributing experience and judgment where long-term responsibility and independent thinking matter.
- Emeritus Director and Scientific Member, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
- Founding Chair, Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration (first black hole image)
- Advisor on transatlantic and global science cooperation
- Expert in radio astronomy and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI)
- Studies galaxies and quasars using global radio telescope arrays
- Advisory roles in international research and science policy, including work with:
- Max Planck Society
- German Research Foundation (DFG)
- University of Bonn (Germany)
- Associated Universities Inc. (USA)
- Next Generation Very Large Array (USA)
- Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (China)
- Deutsches Museum
- Atlantik-Brücke
- International Astronomical Union
- European Astronomical Society
- American Astronomical Society
- Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft
- Astronomische Gesellschaft
- Karl Schwarzschild Medal 2024 – highest German prize for astrophysics
- Tycho Brahe Medal 2023 – highest European award for observational astronomy
- European Research Council Advanced Grant 2021 – most competitive European research grant
- Max Planck Forschungspreis für Internationale Kooperation 1999
- Alexander von Humboldt Forschungspreis 1994
Awards to the EHT Collaboration:
- Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics 2019
- Frontiers of Science Award 2025
- Einstein Medal of the Swiss Albert Einstein Society 2019
- Group Achievement Award of the Royal Society 2021
- Bruno Rossi Group Award of the American Astronomical Society 2020
- NSF Diamond Achievement Award 2019
further honors:
- Golden Medal of the Institute of Applied Astronomy, St. Petersburg 2013
- RadioAstron Bronze Medal 2012
- Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes 1982-84
impact.
science at scale.
Discovery.
I study distant galaxies and the role of supermassive black holes, including how magnetic fields shape their environments.
Using Very Long Baseline Interferometry, we operate a global network of radio telescopes. In 2017, this work led to the first image of a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87.
My ERC-funded project, M2FINDERS, focuses on how relativistic jets form in the vicinity of these objects.
translation.
Fundamental research creates lasting value when scientific insight is linked with technological development, industrial expertise, and the infrastructures that turn discovery into lasting capability.
The large-scale collaborations I have been part of have advanced specialised technologies and helped train a new generation of scientists and engineers.
governance.
Open science depends on people who take responsibility beyond their own boundaries.
I engage where scientific independence, public trust, and the long-term resilience of research systems are at stake—contributing experience and perspective, particularly in international and transatlantic contexts.
discourse.
Science needs voices that connect research, policy, and society.
I contribute to discussions on science, research policy, and international cooperation through interviews, lectures, and extended conversations.
For interviews, panels, or lectures: azensus@mpifr.de
- Terra X Lesch & Co LIVE: Das erste Foto von Sagittarius A*! Mit Reinhard Genzel und Anton Zensus
- Das Unsichtbare sichtbar machen - Bilder von Schwarzen Löchern von Anton Zensus
- Radio Views: EHT Image of the Black Hole in SgrA* - MPIfR scientists tell the story
- European Southern Observatory (ESO): Unveiling Sgr A*, the black hole at the centre of our galaxy
- Anton Zensus on defending science funding
- An astounding coincidence with theory | April 10, 2019 | Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
- Spellbound by the Black Hole | Humboldt Kosmos 111/2020 (english)
- Im Bann des Schwarzen Lochs | Humboldt Kosmos 111/2020 (deutsch)
- Big Techday 22: Making the Invisible Visible - Imaging Black Holes - Prof. Dr. J. Anton Zensus
engagement.
Experience gains meaning when it helps others move forward. In this phase, judgment, perspective, and the ability to see connections across systems matter most.
Today, I work with institutions, leaders, and emerging talent at the intersection of science, technology, and international cooperation—through advisory work, mentoring, and systemic supervision. I engage where shared values, trust, and a clear sense of purpose make collaboration worthwhile. Write me at:
advisory.
I advise where long-term perspective and independent judgment matter. Not by offering solutions, but by helping clarify decisions when responsibility and uncertainty meet.
mentoring. supervision.
I work with individuals who carry responsibility for systems larger than themselves. These conversations are collegial, reflective, and grounded in experience.
notes.
observations & reflections
contact.
Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
Prof. Dr. J. Anton Zensus
With gratitude to the global community of scientists, engineers, and institutions whose work continues beyond any individual.
