About

Mission Statement

The mission of the ITC is to advance our knowledge and understanding of the universe through computational and analytical means, to create a forum for exploration and discoveries in theoretical astrophysics, and to train the next generation of astrophysicists.

Membership Guidelines are here.​​​​​​​

Methodology

The ITC uses computers to address a wide variety of problems in theoretical astrophysics, including state-of-the-art simulations of galaxy formation in the Universe (led by Lars Hernquist), large scale structure in the universe (led by Daniel Eisenstein), accretion of gas onto black holes (led by Ramesh Narayan), the first stars & black holes and the search for life (led by Avi Loeb), and planet formation (led by Karin Oberg). The computer system is also used to analyze extensive data sets, such as those involving the cosmic microwave background (led by John Kovac), gamma-ray data (led by Doug Finkbeiner) or transients (led by Chris Stubbs).

Commitment to Diversity

The ITC welcomes Professor Jorge Moreno (Cal Poly Pomona) back for another summer in Cambridge. Once again, he has given four undergraduate students the chance to work at CfA over the summer. Left to right: Adrianna Pérez (CSUDH), Luis Nuñez (CPP), Jorge Moreno (Assistant Professor, CPP and Visiting Scholar, ITC), Avi Loeb (Director, ITC), and Areli Rojas (CPP).
The underrepresentation of minorities in STEM fields is one of the major challenges facing the US workforce. The ITC is addressing proactively the lack of diversity in its recruitment and hiring. Through embracing alternative pathways to success and by recognizing the subjectivity of traditional evaluations of merit, we seek to address the disparity between our make-up and that of the national demographic, thereby fostering excellence and equality.

We are committed to increasing access and equity, with the recognition that the pursuit of knowledge should not be limited, and that diversity leads to excellence.

 

We strive to make the ITC a place where anyone can work without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of  gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, or age; a place where the rules guard each person's self-respect and dignity and strongly encourage everyone to respect others.

ITC director Avi Loeb underscores the importance of diversity in “Fostering Talent,” Physics World (April 2015)