Purvang Patel
Executive Director, Harvard College Observatory
Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Purvang Patel currently serves as the Executive Director of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The HCO is the research hub for the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University and is central in advancing cutting-edge research in astronomy and astrophysics. Together with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the HCO forms the Center for Astrophysics (CfA), located at 60 Garden Street in Cambridge, MA.
Over the years, Purvang has held leadership roles across multiple departments at Harvard University, as well as a notable stint at Brown University. His professional background spans a wide range of areas, including grants management, finance, personnel operations, research strategy, and innovation within science-focused academic environments.
At the heart of Purvang’s leadership style is a deep belief in people-first, transformative leadership, the idea that organizations thrive when they invest in and value their people. This philosophy is not just a management approach; it’s a reflection of his personal and professional values.