In a groundbreaking achievement, Chinese radio astronomer Li Di, the chief scientist of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), has been honored with the esteemed Marcel Grossmann Award. This marks the first time a scientist from the Chinese mainland has received the prestigious physics prize for achievements accomplished in China.
Li Di's award-winning research has significantly advanced the study of fast radio bursts (FRBs), mysterious cosmic phenomena that originate from distant galaxies. Under his leadership, the FAST telescope has achieved precise measurements of interstellar magnetic fields and elevated FRB research to unprecedented statistical significance.
\"Humans share the same sky, and the international opening of astronomy is inevitable,\" Li stated in an interview with Xinhua. \"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.\" Kramer added, \"Li's 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 awarded every three years, is one of the most prestigious international awards in physics. Previous Chinese laureates include Nobel Prize winners Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao, as well as world-class mathematician Qiu Chengtong.
The award was presented at the 17th Marcel Grossmann Meeting in Pescara, Italy, an event initiated in 1975 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
