The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has revealed its winners for the 2026 awards, celebrating outstanding achievements across astronomy, astrophysics, and related disciplines. This year’s recipients highlight the breadth and depth of modern space science, from the tiniest neutron stars to the dynamic field of geophysics. Here, we profile the two laureates whose work has earned high praise from peers and will shape research for years to come.
Trailblazing discoveries in pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, and supernovae
The first honoree is an astronomer renowned for ground-breaking discoveries that span millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and supernovae. Pulsars – rapidly rotating neutron stars emitting beams of radio waves – have long been natural laboratories for testing fundamental physics. This year’s winner has pushed those laboratories further by uncovering new details about how millisecond pulsars form, evolve, and interact with companion stars. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the extreme physics governing neutron stars but also provide key clues about the history of our galaxy.
In the realm of gamma-ray bursts, the researcher’s work has contributed to the multi-messenger approach that combines gamma-ray data with, for example, gravitational waves and afterglow observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. Such integrative studies are essential for decoding the mechanisms behind GRBs, which remain among the most energetic events in the universe. The laureate’s analyses of GRB afterglows have yielded insights into jet composition, the surrounding environment, and the role of magnetic fields in shaping observed emissions.
Beyond pulsars and bursts, the laureate’s investigations into supernovae – the explosive deaths of massive stars – have refined models of explosion asymmetry, nucleosynthesis, and the production of heavy elements. These contributions illuminate how the elements that compose planets and life are forged and distributed through galaxies. The breadth of this work reflects a commitment to connecting small-scale processes with cosmic evolution, a hallmark of impactful modern astronomy.
Exemplary mathematical geophysics of Earth’s magnetic field
The second recipient stands out for an “exemplary” approach to mathematical geophysics, with a specialty in Earth’s magnetic field. This work sits at the intersection of theory, data, and global impact. By developing and applying sophisticated mathematical models, the laureate advances our understanding of the geodynamo, magnetic secular variation, and magnetic storms that can influence technology and infrastructure. The research helps interpret observations from magnetic observatories and satellite missions, turning raw data into meaningful portraits of Earth’s interior processes.
The winner’s contributions extend beyond pure theory; they provide practical tools for space weather forecasting and risk assessment. In an era when technological systems increasingly rely on reliable magnetic and radiation environments, such work is vital for safeguarding communications, navigation, and power grids. Moreover, the award recognizes the integrative nature of this geophysics research, where mathematical rigor meets geophysical intuition and observational data to solve real-world problems.
What these recognitions mean for the field
Winning the RAS Award signals peer recognition of long-term impact and leadership in science. For the pulsar/GRB/supernova researcher, the prize celebrates a career of uncovering mechanisms behind some of the universe’s most energetic and enigmatic events and demonstrating how diverse observations cohere into a comprehensive narrative of cosmic evolution. For the mathematical geophysicist, the award underscores the importance of mathematical methods in understanding Earth’s interior and its influence on modern life. Both laureates exemplify how careful observation, rigorous analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration can propel astronomy, geophysics, and fundamental science forward.
Looking ahead
As the 2026 RAS laureates take their place among the society’s distinguished researchers, the broader scientific community can expect new publications, follow-up collaborations, and perhaps fresh perspectives on long-standing questions. The award not only honors individual achievement but also highlights the ongoing vitality of space science and Earth science research in addressing both fundamental mysteries and practical challenges.
About the Royal Astronomical Society awards
The RAS awards recognize exceptional contributions to astronomy, astrophysics, and geophysics, celebrating researchers whose work advances knowledge, fosters collaboration, and inspires the public. The 2026 winners join a lineage of scientists whose discoveries have reshaped our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
