Leadership

YCIU is host to pioneering research in dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and neutrinos. We host scientists and workshops to enable scientific innovation and collaboration. The center environment is dynamic and interdisciplinary, breaking down traditional boundaries to drive progress in the field. Our goal is to uncover the fundamental forces that govern the universe and inspire global collaboration, spark curiosity, and empower the next generation of scientists to explore the Invisible Universe.

The P5 report, “Exploring the Quantum Universe: Pathways to Innovation and Discovery in Particle Physics,” is a 10-year strategic plan with a 20-year vision for U.S. particle physics research approved by the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel (HEPAP)—a high-level advisory group to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Wright Lab supports a broad research program in experimental nuclear, particle, and astrophysics, with particular emphasis on instrumentation development and quantum sensing for fundamental science. Wright Lab provides facilities, infrastructure, and a research community that enables both transformative research in fundamental science and training the next generation of leaders in science and technology. 

Heeger led the transformation of Wright Lab following the end of the accelerator program at the Wright Nuclear Structure Laboratory in 2011 and continues to shape its direction as Director.

Karsten Heeger served as Chair of the Yale Physics Department from 2019-2025.  A Yale Department Chair holds significant responsibility for various aspects of departmental operation, including: academic leadership and vision, personnel management, financial oversight, student affairs, departmental operations, advocacy, and representation.

During his tenure, Heeger led a review of the undergraduate and graduate academic programs, which resulted in updating curricula, standards, and requirements for Yale Physics degree programs. Heeger also oversaw an external departmental review in 2024.

As Co-Chair of the Yale Instrumentation initiative, later the AIDC Committee, Heeger led the research instrumentation community at Yale to come together to shape a vision for a new hub for instrumentation at Yale— now being realized as the AIDC, as part of Yale’s Upper Science Hill Development.

The AIDC contributes to one of the cross-cutting priorities identified in a report issued by the University Science Strategy Committee. It will build upon the existing Wright Lab Advanced Prototyping Center and create new spaces for the design, fabrication, and testing of novel research instrumentation.

PSEB is a generational complex supporting initiatives in quantum science, engineering, and materials. Enabling work is underway, and the overall project is scheduled to be complete in 2030.  

Spanning 420 feet in length, PSEB will take advantage of the sloped topography of Science Hill and situate most of the new laboratories on low-vibration bedrock, all while connecting adjacent buildings. In addition to the investment in high-performance quantum research laboratories, PSEB also represents a significant investment in core facilities.