Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), has become the first Indian woman to win the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for space research, a milestone achievement for the country's scientific community.

Key facts

  • Annapurni Subramaniam is the first Indian woman to win the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal.
  • She is an astrophysicist and serves as Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
  • The medal recognises her contributions to space research.
  • The award is named after Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India's space programme.

A historic first for Indian science

The COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal honours excellence in space research and carries special significance for India, as it commemorates Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary scientist behind the nation's space programme. Subramaniam's win makes her the first Indian woman to receive this recognition.

Leadership at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics

As Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Subramaniam has been at the forefront of the country's astronomy research. In an interview following the announcement, she spoke about India's next big leap in astronomy, outlining the institute's ambitions for the future.

Why the award matters

The recognition places Subramaniam among a select group of scientists honoured by COSPAR, the Committee on Space Research. Her achievement is being celebrated as an inspiration for women pursuing careers in astrophysics and space science across India.