As ISSI enters a new chapter, we are delighted to welcome Prof. Elena Sabbi to the ISSI Directorate. Bringing with her a wealth of experience in astrophysics, scientific leadership, and international collaboration, she now joins ISSI at a time of continued growth and international engagement.
Over the course of her career, Elena has held key leadership roles at major facilities, including the Space Telescope Science Institute, where she contributed to both the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, and most recently as Chief Scientist of the International Gemini Observatory.
To help the ISSI community get to know her a little better, we sat down with Elena for a conversation about her scientific journey, her ambitions for ISSI, and a few of the interests and experiences that have shaped her along the way.
A few days ago, there was a new team at ISSI. With 21 members, it was a rather large one — yet everything felt familiar. There was excitement about being away from everyday routines, animated conversations over free mugs and stickers, and a buzz of anticipation in the air. But this time, there was a first: ISSI was welcoming a local class of ten-year-olds, attending the fourth year of Swiss primary school.
