The rector of the Universitat de València, Juan Luis Gandía, has appointed Manel Perucho Pla as the new director of the University of Valencia's Astronomical Observatory, a center within the UV Science Park's scientific-academic area. Perucho, a professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the UV, succeeds José Antonio Muñoz Lozano.
The new director takes on this role with the objective of expanding the observation resources available to the Valencian astronomical community and reinforcing the Observatory's position as a leading entity in astronomical research, teaching, and outreach. "Thanks to the work done by many people, the time has come to also make it a reference center for astrophysics research internationally," stated Perucho, who also emphasized his commitment to "broadening the existing connection with the university community and the general public."
Manel Perucho holds a PhD in Physics from the Universitat de València and teaches in the Physics degree and the Advanced Physics master's program at the institution. He has supervised seven doctoral theses and numerous master's and bachelor's final projects, with over a hundred articles published in specialized astrophysics journals. He currently leads the Relativistic and High-Energy Astrophysics Group, focusing on the study of relativistic plasmas around black holes and their impact on galactic evolution.
His research combines observational work with numerical simulations using supercomputing to study energetic phenomena in the universe. He has conducted research stays at international centers such as the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy. In addition to his research, Perucho has experience in scientific outreach, authoring the book Ecos de l’univers violent.
Perucho has also held university management positions, serving as secretary and vice-dean of the Faculty of Physics (2018-2022) and director of the UV's Language and Linguistic Policy Service (2022-2026).
Founded in 1909, the Universitat de València's Astronomical Observatory is the oldest active university observatory in Spain. With the appointment of Manel Perucho, it embarks on a new phase to enhance its scientific capabilities and solidify its role as a bridge between astrophysical research, university education, and public outreach.
