Hugo Lennart Nordh

Doctor of Science - Spring 2009

Lennart Nordh was born in Mariestad, Sweden. He completed his BSc and PhD at Stockhom University and worked with the European space program and as a research associate with Stockholm University Observatory before being appointed associate professor in astronomy at Stockholm University. 

Nordh then moved into scientific administration and worked with the Swedish National Space Board to develop the Swedish space program.  In 1998, he became director of science for the Swedish National Space Board, a position he still holds. He has been the head of the Swedish delegation to the Science Program Committee from 1998 until 2008 when he was elected chair of the same committee.  

In 1993, Nordh assumed the role of Programme Scientist for the then proposed Odin satellite. Canada joined the Odin program in 1994 with the provision of the OSIRIS instrument led by the University of Saskatchewan. This satellite mission, which was launched in 2001, has provided the university with many opportunities including significant contract support. The efforts of the scientists and graduate students, particularly those at the University of Saskatchewan, have been strongly supported by Nordh. His world-class leadership of the Odin satellite project has persuaded many countries to emulate his approach.