Gabor Furesz

Gabor is an astronomer and technical lead whose work revolves around crafting and designing spectrographs for both optical and infrared domains, including those requiring high resolution and capable of multi-object observations. He thrives on the hands-on building and problem-solving aspects of his job, engaging in optical and opto-mechanical design.

Gabor’s approach to work involves a deep collaboration across various disciplines to ensure that scientific needs are accurately translated into concrete system architectures. This process involves analyzing risks, making crucial trade-offs, assessing the technical viability, and incorporating innovative solutions to deliver instruments that exceed expectations.

Gabor’s expertise and experience have been recognized through numerous invitations to serve as a review board member and chair for prestigious organizations such as NASA, NSF, GMTO, and several private foundations. Additionally, he contributes to the academic community as an editorial board member of JATIS, a refereed journal of SPIE.

Since joining MIT in 2014, Gabor has contributed to both ground-based and space-based projects, including the MMT, Magellan, GMT, and TESS. Before MIT, he worked as instrument scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, between 2003 and 2014. His academic credentials were earned from the University of Szeged, Hungary, where he obtained his PhD in astrophysics in 2008 and his MSc in astronomy in 2002.

Gabor’s journey to astrophysics began at an early age, at the age of 10, when he built his first telescope. As a young teenager he engaged in visual observations, astrophotography, sidewalk astronomy and public outreach — things he still enjoys and values. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his family and deep conversations and discussions with a few close friends. Gabor’s hobbies are reading and learning, photography, playing squash, biking, cultivating bonsai, quilting, and most importantly relishing the tranquility of nature. These activities bring him a profound sense of relaxation and rejuvenation after intense periods of work.