Eight scientists from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) have been recognized as prizewinners and fellows by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) for 2026. The awards and fellowships were announced at the 247th meeting of the AAS in Phoenix, AZ.
AAS Prize Recipients:
- Andrew Vanderburg, assistant professor of astronomy at Harvard, received the 2026 Newton Lacy Pierce Prize in Astronomy for research on exoplanets.
- Daniel Eisenstein, professor of astronomy at Harvard, accepted the 2026 Lancelot M. Berkeley−New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy on behalf of the DESI collaboration. The group was recognized for their work in creating a 3D map of the universe, which facilitates the study of dark energy.
- Gabi Wenzel, a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the CfA, was awarded the 2026 Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) Early Career Award for discoveries related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in the interstellar medium.
- Lars Hernquist, Mallinckrodt Professor of Astrophysics at Harvard, received the 2026 Henry Norris Russell Lectureship for contributions to theories, numerical techniques, and simulations concerning galaxy formation, structure, and evolution, as well as the formation of stars, supermassive black holes, and the large-scale structure of the universe.
AAS Fellows:
Four CfA scientists were among the 23 individuals named AAS Fellows in the 2026 cohort:
- Martin Elvis, high-energy astrophysicist, was selected for contributions to multi-wavelength observations and understanding of active galactic nuclei, leadership in collaborations, and service to the astronomical community.
- Lisa Kewley, director of CfA, was selected for contributions to the understanding of galaxy evolution, including gas physics in stellar birth and supermassive black holes, and for strategic vision and leadership.
- Michael McCarthy, deputy director of CfA, was selected for contributions in high-resolution spectroscopy of reactive molecules, including the development of sensitive microwave instrumentation, advancing astrochemistry.
- James Moran, radio and geoastronomer, was selected for pioneering the development of very-long-baseline interferometry and its application to astrophysical masers, galactic star-forming regions, and black holes, and for service to the radio astronomy community.
The American Astronomical Society is an international organization for professional and amateur astronomers, and astronomy educators.