Indian-origin scientist receives prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy for 2024
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: Infosys Science Foundation
Shrinivas R. Kulkarni Honoured
Shrinivas R. Kulkarni, an Indian-origin professor at Caltech, has been awarded the 2024 Shaw Prize in Astronomy.
Credit: X
Recognition for Groundbreaking Discoveries
Kulkarni is recognized for his pioneering work on millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other variable astronomical objects.
Credit: Infosys Science Foundation
Contributions to Time-Domain Astronomy
The Shaw Prize Foundation praised Kulkarni's contributions to time-domain astronomy, highlighting his role in the Palomar Transient Factory and the Zwicky Transient Facility.
Career Highlights
Kulkarni, the George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science, has had a distinguished career at Caltech, including serving as the director of Caltech Optical Observatories.
Educational Background
He obtained his M.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1978 and his Ph.D. from the University of California in 1983.
Shaw Prize Background
The Shaw Prize, established by philanthropist Run Run Shaw, includes three annual prizes in Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences, each with a $1.2 million award.
Other 2024 Shaw Prize Recipients
Alongside Kulkarni, Swee Lay Thein and Stuart Orkin received the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine, and Peter Sarnak was awarded the Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences.
Award Presentation
The 21st edition of the Shaw Prize presentation ceremony is scheduled for November 12, 2024, in Hong Kong.
Celebrating Scientific Excellence
The ceremony will celebrate the exceptional contributions of Kulkarni and other esteemed scientists to their respective fields.