Eight CfA Scientists Honored as Prizewinners and Fellows by the American Astronomical Society
Eight scientists from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) have been named prizewinners and fellows of the American Astronomical Society for 2026. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional contributions of these researchers to the field of astronomy.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is a renowned international organization comprising professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. The 2026 cohort of prizewinners and fellows showcases the diverse expertise and impact of CfA scientists across various areas of astronomy.
Here's a closer look at the achievements of these distinguished individuals:
Andrew Vanderburg: Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Harvard, Vanderburg receives the 2026 Newton Lacy Pierce Prize in Astronomy for his groundbreaking research on exoplanets. This prize recognizes outstanding achievements in observational astronomical research over the past five years, based on measurements of radiation from astronomical objects.
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Gabi Wenzel: A postdoctoral researcher at MIT and CfA, Wenzel is awarded the 2026 Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) Early Career Award for her transformative discoveries of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in the interstellar medium. This award recognizes significant contributions to the field within 10 years of receiving a PhD.
Lars Hernquist: The Mallinckrodt Professor of Astrophysics at Harvard, Hernquist receives the 2026 Henry Norris Russell Lectureship for a lifetime of pioneering theories, numerical techniques, and simulations that have shaped our understanding of galaxy formation, structure, and evolution. He has also made significant contributions to the study of stars, supermassive black holes, and the large-scale structure of the universe. Hernquist's dedication to training and mentoring early-career astronomers is also celebrated.
Additionally, four scientists were named AAS Fellows, joining a total of 23 in the 2026 cohort. These Fellows include:
Martin Elvis: A high-energy astrophysicist, Elvis is recognized for his outstanding contributions to multi-wavelength observations and the physical understanding of active galactic nuclei. His pioneering studies at high energies, leadership in collaborations, and extensive work in outreach, science advocacy, and public policy have made him a valuable member of the astronomical community.
Lisa Kewley: Director of CfA, Kewley is celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to galaxy evolution, including the intricate gas physics governing stellar birth and the behavior of accreting supermassive black holes. Her strategic vision and leadership have transformed the field.
Michael McCarthy: Deputy Director of CfA, McCarthy is recognized for his pioneering contributions in high-resolution spectroscopy of highly reactive molecules. His development of sensitive microwave instrumentation has significantly advanced astrochemistry.
James Moran: A radio and geoastronomer, Moran is honored for pioneering the development of very-long-baseline interferometry and its application to studying astrophysical masers, galactic star-forming regions, and black holes. His dedicated service to the radio astronomy community is also acknowledged.
The prizes and fellowships were announced at the 247th meeting of the AAS in Phoenix, AZ, highlighting the significant impact of these scientists on the field of astronomy.
About the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaborative effort between Harvard and the Smithsonian, dedicated to addressing humanity's most profound questions about the universe. Based in Cambridge, MA, with research facilities worldwide, the CfA strives to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos.
