Tim de Zeeuw burst on the dynamical scene with an outstanding PhD thesis
on the dynamics of triaxial stellar systems. His mathematically elegant
description of the density profiles and orbits in separable Staeckel
potentials invigorated the entire field and remains a cornerstone on
which more recent understanding of elliptical galaxies is founded.
Subsequently, he applied his physical understanding of orbital dynamics
to the more complicated potentials of real galaxies that contain density
cusps, black holes, etc. In more recent years he was one of the
co-founders of the hugely successful SAURON project, which has revealed
a rich variety in the dynamical structure of early-type galaxies that
present fresh challenges to models for their formation. In addition,
de Zeeuw has mentored an impressive list of students and other researchers
over many years and logged an outstanding record of selfless service to
the international community. His recognition through the Brouwer Award
is richly deserved.
(Citation by J. Sellwood) |
[About the Brouwer Award]
[Past Brouwer Award Winners] [Brouwer Award Selection Committee] [Brouwer Award Home Page] |