The award recognises Annapurni Subramaniam’s work on stellar populations, blue straggler stars, UVIT/AstroSat, future telescopes, and Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR).
| Photo Credit: File photo
The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Vikram Sarabhai Medal for 2026 was awarded to Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), in recognition of her contributions to space research in developing countries.
The medal is awarded jointly by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and COSPAR every two years in honour of Vikram Sarabhai who is considered the father of the Indian space programme.
The award recognises her work on stellar populations, blue straggler stars, UVIT/AstroSat, future telescopes, and Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR).
She received the award on Monday at the 46th COSPAR General Assembly in Florence, Italy.
“I am extremely happy to receive this award. This is in recognition of my contribution to research in astrophysics, Indian space mission AstroSat, next-generation astronomy facilities and sustainable development,” Prof. Subramaniam said.
The COSPAR was established in 1958 by the International Council for Scientific Unions (ICSU) and is headquartered in Paris, France.
The COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal has been awarded since 1990, jointly with ISRO.
Prof. Subramaniam is the fourth Indian to win the award after U.R. Rao (1996), Gurbax Singh Lakhina (2014), and Anil Bhardwaj (2024). She is the first Indian woman to win the award.
Published – August 05, 2026 08:06 pm IST
