Gaia People

Ronald Drimmel

Astrophysical Observatory of Torino

Ronald Drimmel is a research astronomer at the Turin Astrophysical Observatory - INAF, whose broad research interests are Galactic structure and dynamics, and the ISM. Ron has been involved in Gaia since 1997, initially as a contributor to the Simulation and Photometric Working Groups and, and since late 2005 as an active member of CU3 (Core Processing) and CU8 (Astrophysical Parameters). In the past Ron has contributed a Galactic extinction model for the CU2 Universe Model. He currently coordinates a CU8 work package "Interstellar Extinction", charged with advising the other CU8 tasks on the best way to parameterize extinction and for developing a SW module to produce a total Galactic extinction map. Ron is also on the Gaia Payload Experts group, responsible for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Gaia instrument.

As a member of the Gaia Data Analysis Coordination Committee (DACC) Ron was involved in preparations for the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) and from June 2006 to October 2012 was the Deputy Chair of DPACE - the Executive committee which will oversee and coordinate the activities of the Consortium. Ron's current management roles are the deputy manager of the Astrometric Verification Unit of CU3 and the Project Manager of the Italian Participation in DPAC (funded by INAF and ASI).

You can find Ronald on LinkedIn and on Twitter (@rdrimmel).

[Published: 17/05/2004 | Updated 09/01/2015]