Search for Institute for Astronomy director postponed

The search process for the director of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Institute for Astronomy (IfA) has been postponed. UH instituted a hiring freeze at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in anticipation of the expected budget shortfall. Though the search for the new director started before the pandemic, it has been decided to restart the process when the university is in a stronger fiscal position.

 “This was a difficult decision, but one that was necessary,” said UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno as three finalists for the position were named on October 20. “I plan to work closely with the faculty of the IfA to ensure that their world-class research, instruction and community engagement continues strongly.”

There is a campus-wide budget planning process underway to prepare for the expected state budget shortfall and a post pandemic Hawaiʻi. Information on the process is available, Other budget saving steps taken by UH along with the hiring freeze includes a freeze on travel and restrictions on major expenditures.