About

I am Léon V.E. Koopmans, Professor of Astronomy at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of the University of Groningen.

I studied astronomy in Groningen, where I obtained my MSc in 1995 and my PhD in 2000, awarded cum laude. After positions at the University of Manchester, Caltech, and the Space Telescope Science Institute, I returned to Groningen in 2004. I have been Full Professor at Kapteyn since 2015.

In addition to research, I have been involved in teaching, supervision, and academic leadership. From 2020 to 2025, I served as Scientific Director of the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute. Over the years, I have contributed to a range of educational, organisational, and strategic activities within the institute and the wider astronomy community.

Teaching and supervision have always been important parts of my work. I have taught undergraduate and graduate courses across several areas of astronomy and have supervised many students and postdoctoral researchers.

My work is strongly collaborative and involves long-term engagement in national and international projects, boards, working groups, and scientific meetings. I have also been fortunate to receive support through several major grants and fellowships during my career.