COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026: Annapurni Subramaniam Wins
Why in the news
Prof Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, has received the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for 2026. The medal was presented at the 46th COSPAR General Assembly in Florence, Italy, around 3-4 August.
Key facts
- Award: COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026.
- Citation: outstanding contributions to space research in developing countries.
- She is the fourth Indian and the first woman scientist from India to win it.
- Her work covers stellar populations, blue straggler stars and the UVIT instrument on AstroSat.
- The medal is given every two years; it is open to candidates from any country.
Earlier Indian winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1996 | U R Rao, former ISRO Chairman |
| 2014 | Gurbax Singh Lakhina, space plasma physicist |
| 2024 | Anil Bhardwaj, Director of PRL |
| 2026 | Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA |
About COSPAR
COSPAR is the Committee on Space Research. The medal is awarded jointly with ISRO in memory of Vikram Sarabhai, the scientist associated with India’s space programme.
Exam angle
- Remember the sequence of Indian winners and the first-woman angle.
- The medal is biennial, so expect a question on its frequency.
- IIA is in Bengaluru; the assembly venue was Florence, Italy.