Shrinivas R Kulkarni, an Indian-origin professor of astronomy at the California Institute of Technology, has been honored with the prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy for 2024. This accolade recognizes his groundbreaking discoveries related to millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other variable or transient astronomical objects.

Kulkarni, who holds the George Ellery Hale Professorship in Astronomy and Planetary Science at Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, has significantly advanced the field of astronomy through his pioneering research and discoveries. His work has provided profound insights into the nature and behavior of various cosmic phenomena.

The Shaw Prize, often regarded as the “Nobel of the East,” is awarded annually in three categories: Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences. In addition to Kulkarni, this year’s recipients include Swee Lay Thein and Stuart Orkin, who jointly received the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine, and Peter Sarnak, who was honored with the Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences.

“The Shaw Prize in Astronomy is awarded to Shrinivas R Kulkarni for his groundbreaking discoveries about millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other variable or transient astronomical objects,” the Shaw Prize Foundation announced.

Kulkarni’s recognition underscores the significant contributions of Indian-origin scientists to the global scientific community, highlighting the impact of their work in advancing our understanding of the universe.