June 25, 2026
Abigail Lee, PhD’25 in Astronomy and Astrophysics, has received a 2025 PhD Prize from the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
These annual awards recognize outstanding scientific contributions and exceptional doctoral thesis research carried out by early-career astronomers across the globe.
Each of the nine IAU Divisions selects a winner and honorable mentions from among candidates whose theses represent the most remarkable and impactful work within their respective fields over the past year. Additionally, a PhD Prize-at-Large may be jointly awarded by all Divisions to a candidate who performed their doctoral research under exceptionally challenging circumstances.
This year, the Divisions have awarded nine PhD Prizes, one PhD Prize at Large, and 12 Honorable Mentions.
The IAU Division J (Galaxies and Cosmology) PhD Prize was awarded to Lee for her doctoral thesis, “AGB Stars in the Era of NIR Astronomy: New Probes of Cosmology and Galaxy Evolution.”
Lee’s PhD work combines technical excellence, conceptual originality, and transformative potential. Her work not only advances our understanding of cosmic expansion and galaxy evolution but also equips the community with powerful new tools for discovery.
Lee is currently a postdoc in the astronomy department at UC Berkeley.
In recognition of their achievements, the awardees will be invited to present their work during the Division Days at the IAU XXXIII General Assembly, which will be held August 10–19, 2027, in Rome.
Prof. Willy Benz, IAU President, says, “The IAU is deeply committed to supporting early-career researchers. These awards celebrate academic brilliance, as well as the passion and resilience required to expand our understanding of the universe. Congratulations to this year’s winners and honorable mentions on their outstanding achievements. We look forward to following their promising careers as they help to shape the future of astronomy!”