Chinese radio astronomer Li Di, the chief scientist of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), has been awarded the prestigious Marcel Grossmann Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of fast radio bursts (FRBs). This marks the first time a Chinese scientist has received this honor for achievements accomplished within China.
The award was presented during the 17th Marcel Grossmann Meeting, currently underway in Pescara, Italy. Li was recognized for enhancing the scientific capabilities of the world’s most sensitive radio telescope, including precise measurements of interstellar magnetic fields and advancing FRB studies to a level of high statistical significance.
In an interview with Xinhua, Li emphasized the importance of international collaboration in astronomy. "Humans share the same sky, and the international opening of astronomy is inevitable," he said. "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 work: "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."
Established in 1985 and presented every three years, the Marcel Grossmann Award is considered one of the most prestigious international prizes 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.
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Chief scientist of China's FAST telescope wins Marcel Grossmann Award
cgtn.com
