IIA Director wins COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal
Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has been awarded the 2026 COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal. She is the first Indian woman to receive this honor for her contributions to space research and astrophysics.
Why it matters
Recognizes significant scientific achievement and the growing role of Indian researchers in global space exploration.
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.
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