Leo W. Pollak
First Head of Geophysics Section in the School of Cosmic Physics
The School of Cosmic Physics comprises two main disciplines: Geophysics and Astronomy & Astrophysics. Professor Leo Pollak was appointed Director of the School and Head of the Geophysics Section in 1947. Prof Pollak’s history of strong support for the benefits of geophysical research had long been clear, in 1943 he had sent a memorandum to the Department of the Taoiseach, where he stressed the lack of training and research in geophysics, arguing that “to change this situation, not only unworthy of a cultivated and civilised nation but also injurious to its economic life, the establishment of a school for geophysics is proposed.” His vision was realised four years later with the founding of the School of Cosmic Physics and its Geophysics Section.
Hermann A. Brück
First Head of Astronomy Section in the School of Cosmic Physics
The School of Cosmic Physics is divided into broad sections of study, Astronomy & Astrophysics and Geophysics. In 1947, at the invitation of An Taoiseach Éamon de Valera, Prof Brück took charge as Head of the DIAS Astronomy section. After Dunsink Observatory was transferred to state ownership and attached to The Institute, Brück transformed it into a centre of modern observational technique, installing a large solar telescope and spectrograph as its principal instruments.
✨ #11 & #12 of 85 Things About DIAS -
The first Heads of Section in the School of Cosmic Physics
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