A renowned astronomer and academic, he is most known for his groundbreaking research on the formation of stars and galaxies, and his leadership in the development of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope.
Meet Richard Edwin Hills, a renowned British astronomer celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of radio astronomy, particularly in the development of telescopes and instrumentation for exploring the uncharted territories of the millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths.
Hills' legacy is intertwined with some of the most significant astronomical projects of our time, including the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope, which has enabled scientists to study distant quasars and star formation processes in unprecedented detail.
Born on September 30, 1945, Hills was educated at Bedford School and later pursued the Natural Science Tripos at Queens' College, Cambridge. He then ventured to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Hills' professional journey began at the Max Planck Institute in Bonn, where he worked as a research scientist from 1972 to 1974. He then returned to the University of Cambridge, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the development of telescopes and instrumentation for astronomy.
As the project scientist for the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Hills oversaw its design and construction, subsequently utilizing the telescope to observe distant, redshifted quasars and the processes associated with star formation.
In 2007, he was appointed project scientist for the ALMA telescope, a submillimeter interferometer situated in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile. This pioneering project has enabled scientists to study the universe in unprecedented resolution and clarity.
Richard Edwin Hills' contributions have profoundly impacted our understanding of the universe, inspiring future generations of astronomers and scientists. His tireless efforts to push the boundaries of human knowledge have left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
Through his work, Hills has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of the cosmos, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and fascinate us for years to come.
Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge
Director of Studies for Natural Sciences at St Edmund's College, Cambridge (1990-2007)
Professor of Radio Astronomy at the University of Cambridge (1990-2007)
Deputy Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge (1999-2003)
Emeritus Professor of Radio Astronomy at the University of Cambridge (until his death on June 5, 2022)
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