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Prof. Mayo Greenberg was a visionary who pioneered not one, but three fields of science that have since become mainstream disciplines in their own right, laboratory astrophysics, astrochemistry and astrobiology.

Greenberg’s laboratory was a pioneering venture, the first in its kind worldwide. The idea was to use conventional laboratory techniques to simulate the extreme conditions of space and for the first time to apply
experimental techniques as a complement to observations and theory for studying the dusty universe. By carrying out experiments under controlled conditions he could study questions such as the composition and evolution of the icy mantles that surround interstellar dust grains. The Astrophysics Laboratory was set up as an autonomous “working group” in a joint venture between the physics and astronomy departments. Prof. Greenberg was in charge of the laboratory until his retirement in 1992 and heavily involved in the years thereafter.

Greenberg’s retirement in 1992 coincided with severe economic cutbacks within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and a decision was made by the board of the then combined physics and astronomy department to close the laboratory. Mayo Greenberg fought tirelessly along with Ewine van Dishoeck to keep the lab open, but for several years its survival hung by a thread. In 1998, after a visit to Leiden Observatory, the distinguished American philanthropists Raymond and Beverly Sackler provided funding that assured the future of the lab. The Sacklers decided to be benefactors of the laboratory after a persuasive discussion with Mayo Greenberg.

Prof. Greenberg passed away in 2001.

In honour of his achievements and to further support his efforts to train scientists in the field of laboratory astrophysics and -chemistry, Leiden Observatory offers Master- and PhD students from developing countries a chance to stay as a GREENBERG FELLOW for 9 months in the laboratory and to work on problems related to Mayo's interests. This has become financially possible through a generous donation by Ms. Greenberg and additional support through Leiden University.

The Greenberg fellows meanwhile have been awarded since 2005 and supported sofar four young scientists from India, Egypt and Brasil. The next Greenberg fellow is expected to start in 2012.

FIRST GREENBERG FELLOW

KINSUK ACHARYYA FROM INDIA
2005-2006

SECOND GREENBERG FELLOW

ZAINAB AWAD FROM EGYPT
2006-2007

THIRD GREENBERG FELLOW

ANKAN DAS FROM INDIA
2008-2009

FOURTH GREENBERG FELLOW

EDUARDO PENTEADO FROM BRASIL
2009-2010