Chinese radio astronomer Li Di, the chief scientist of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), has been honored with the prestigious Marcel Grossmann Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the study of fast radio bursts (FRBs). The award ceremony took place on Tuesday at the 17th Marcel Grossmann Meeting in Pescara, Italy.
Li is the first Chinese scientist to receive this esteemed physics prize for achievements accomplished within China. His work has significantly enhanced the scientific capabilities of the world’s most sensitive radio telescope, including precise measurements of interstellar magnetic fields and advancing the study of FRBs to a level of high statistical significance.
“Humans share the same sky, and the international opening of astronomy is inevitable,” Li told Xinhua in an interview. “Strengthening China-EU cooperation, especially through the open sharing of astronomical data between the two sides, can greatly advance cutting-edge exploration and effectively prevent decoupling.”
Michael Kramer, director of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, praised Li’s contributions, saying, “Li’s latest contributions, in the field of the mysterious FRBs in particular, have really moved our understanding forward. His scientific leadership in the FAST telescope project and the discoveries enabled by this remarkable instrument make this award truly exceptional.”
The Marcel Grossmann Award, established in 1985 and presented every three years, is considered one of the most prestigious international awards in physics. Previous Chinese laureates include Nobel Prize winners Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao, as well as renowned mathematician Qiu Chengtong.
The Marcel Grossmann Meeting, initiated in 1975, aims to promote research in gravity, relativity, and related areas, focusing on mathematical foundations, physical predictions, and experimental tests. The 17th meeting is currently underway in Pescara, Italy, and will continue until Friday.
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Chief scientist of China's FAST telescope wins Marcel Grossmann Award
cgtn.com
