Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Annapurni Subramaniam Becomes First Indian Woman to Win COSPAR Medal
Professor Annapurni Subramaniam is an Indian scientist who studies stars.
She leads the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru.
She received an important award called the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal.
She is the first Indian woman to receive this medal.
The award recognizes her work in astronomy and space research.
Her research helps scientists learn how stars are formed and change over time.
She has also worked with AstroSat’s Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope.
She supports young scientists and helps promote astronomy education in India.
Professor Annapurni Subramaniam became the first Indian woman to receive the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal.
She received the award at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy, held from August 1 to 9, 2026.
Subramaniam is director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru and studies stellar astrophysics.
Her work includes research on star clusters, magnetic stars, stellar evolution and AstroSat’s Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope.
The medal is jointly awarded by ISRO and COSPAR every two years for outstanding contributions to space science.
- Who
- Professor Annapurni Subramaniam, director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
- What
- She received the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for contributions to space science and astronomy.
- When
- The medal was presented during the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, held from August 1 to 9, 2026.
- Where
- The assembly took place in Florence, Italy.
- Why
- She was recognized for her research on stars and her contributions to astronomy missions, telescopes and scientific programmes.
- Award
- COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal
- Recipient
- Professor Annapurni Subramaniam
- Distinction
- First Indian woman to receive the medal
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
- Research focus
- Stellar astrophysics, including star clusters, magnetic stars and stellar evolution
- Awarding organizations
- Indian Space Research Organisation and the Committee on Space Research
- Assembly attendance
- More than 3,000 participants from 72 countries