Dr. Ue-Li Pen completed his PhD in Princeton University. He is the Director of the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica since September 2021, and he is jointly appointed with the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, where he has been a professor since 1998.

Dr. Pen is a theoretical astrophysicist who studies systems where basic physical effects can be isolated from astronomical complexities. His research projects include Fast Radio Burst (FRB) and pulsar lensing, non-linear dynamics of the cosmic neutrino background, 21cm intensity mapping, leading to the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME).

Dr. Pen is known for developing innovative tools to create new fields of research. His pioneering work on 21 cm intensity mapping opens a new window for the precision study of dark energy and neutrinos. His use of natural plasma in our galaxy as a giant telescope spawned the field of scintillometry, enabling new glimpses into enigmatic pulsars and the unsolved fast radio bursts.

Dr. Pen will build on the experience and leadership of the past decades to further strengthen Taiwan’s development of astrophysics. One of the projects is the fish-eye search and localization of FRBs, which may help catapult Taiwan to the front ranks of FRB astrophysics, impart high-demand skills to trainees, and create a focal point for public engagement.