Michael S. Turner is a preeminent theoretical cosmologist whose trailblazing work has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the universe's composition and evolution. He currently serves as a Visiting Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles and holds the distinguished title of Rauner Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he previously directed the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics for a decade. Born in Los Angeles, California, Turner earned his B.S. in physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1971 and his Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University in 1978. His distinguished career includes leadership roles as Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the National Science Foundation and Senior Strategic Advisor at the Kavli Foundation, demonstrating his enduring impact on both research and scientific policy.
Turner's most transformative contribution to cosmology came in 1998 when he coined the pivotal term 'dark energy,' which now describes the mysterious force driving the universe's accelerating expansion—a prediction that fundamentally altered the trajectory of modern cosmology. His scholarly work has profoundly influenced theoretical understanding across multiple domains, particularly in demonstrating how quantum fluctuations during cosmic inflation evolved into the seed perturbations that formed galaxies, and in developing key concepts that underpin the cold dark matter theory of structure formation. These seminal contributions have established the theoretical framework that guides contemporary cosmological research, bridging the disciplines of particle physics and astronomy to unravel the universe's earliest moments. The profound impact of his work extends to shaping the strategic direction of scientific investment through influential studies like the National Academy's 'Connecting quarks with the cosmos,' which has directed research priorities at the intersection of astronomy and physics for decades.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Turner has played a pivotal leadership role in shaping the cosmology community through extensive service to the National Academy of Sciences, including membership on three astronomy decadal surveys and chairing the seminal 'Quarks to the Cosmos' study that established critical research directions for the field. His ongoing influence continues through current leadership roles, including co-chairing the National Academies' study on elementary particle physics to establish a long-term vision for the discipline. As a Fellow of the American Astronomical Society, American Physical Society, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and as a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and American Philosophical Society, Turner's legacy extends through his mentorship and community building across international scientific collaborations. His current work continues to address what he identifies as the most profound mystery in science—the nature of cosmic acceleration—ensuring his enduring influence on the future trajectory of cosmological discovery.
