Srinivas R Kulkarni, Indian-origin US scientist, wins Shaw Prize in astronomy
One of his numerous accomplishments includes serving as the director of Caltech Optical Observatories from 2006 to 2018.
An esteemed astronomer of Indian origin, Srinivas R Kulkarni has been awarded the prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy for 2024.
Kulkarni who serves as the George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Caltech, is recognized for his innovating research on millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other transient astronomical phenomena.
His work in time-domain astronomy, notably through the Palomar Transient Factory and the Zwicky Transient Facility, these projects have greatly enhanced our understanding of the dynamic sky.
The Shaw Prize Foundation stated, “The Shaw Prize in Astronomy is awarded to Shrinivas R Kulkarni, for his ground-breaking discoveries about millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other variable or transient astronomical objects.” Developed by the late Hong Kong philanthropist Run Run Shaw, the Shaw Prize consists of three annual Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences awards, each with a capital award of USD 1.2 million.
This year marks the 21st time the prize has been awarded, and the ceremony will be held on November 12, 2024, in Hong Kong. The Shaw Prize, sometimes called the “Nobel of the East,” was developed by Run Run Shaw, known for his philanthropy in education, scientific research, healthcare, and the arts. The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong and The Sir Run Run Shaw Charitable Trust, both founded by Shaw, continue to support these areas.
Srinivas R Kulkarni
Kulkarni’s career is full of remarkable achievements. According to his biography on Caltech’s website, he attained his Master of Science degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1978 and his PhD from the University of California in 1983. He worked as the director of Caltech Optical Observatories from 2006 to 2018, playing a significant role in advancing the field of observational astronomy.
“The Shaw Prize Foundation lauded Kulkarni’s contributions to time-domain astronomy, which culminated in the conception, construction, and leadership of the Palomar Transient Factory and its successor, the Zwicky Transient Facility,” the statement proclaimed.
Under Kulkarni’s guidance, the Palomar Transient Factory made several discoveries in astronomy. The Zwicky Transient Facility has continued this work and helped astronomers study and understand transient cosmic events. These projects have allowed scientists to observe and analyze short-lived astronomical phenomena, greatly expanding our knowledge of the universe.
Additionally, to Kulkarni, other winners of the 2024 Shaw Prize include Swee Lay Thein and Stuart Orkin from the United States, who share the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine, and Peter Sarnak, also from the US, who won the Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences. These awards honor exceptional contributions in various scientific fields.
Kulkarni’s recognition of the Shaw Prize highlights his important contributions to astronomy and the value of international collaboration in scientific research. As the scientific community continues to explore the universe’s mysteries, Kulkarni’s work serves as an important milestone in the quest for knowledge and discovery. As the world looks forward to the upcoming ceremony in Hong Kong, Kulkarni’s achievements will inspire future generations of astronomers and scientists, inspiring them to push the boundaries of human understanding of the cosmos.
You might also be interested in – Chile’s Andes Mountains hosts world’s highest astronomical observatory
