The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is proceeding rapidly with expected first telescope light in 2029 and first science light in late 2030. To oversee the scientific coordination of this facility, Joël Vernet has been hired as the ELT Programme Scientist through an international call, replacing Michele Cirasuolo.
Joël Vernet Appointed as ELT Programme Scientist
Published: 29 Apr 2026
Joël has an extensive experience at ESO as project scientist on eight different instruments, and has been interim ELT Programme Scientist for nearly two years. As ELT Programme Scientist, Joël will be responsible for providing scientific leadership to the ELT Programme, covering both telescope construction and instrumentation development, ensuring that the facility will be scientifically exploited to the best of its capabilities, in dialogue with the community.