The Rumford Prize – a storied science award given by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences – is being awarded to Andrea M. Ghez for her contributions to the field of astronomy. Ghez’s pioneering research on the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and made her a leading astrophysicist.
Ghez – a Nobel laureate and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA – has been a driving force in the study of stellar dynamics, using groundbreaking techniques to observe the behavior of stars in the region surrounding the black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Her work has provided pivotal evidence for the existence of this supermassive black hole and has opened new avenues of inquiry into its role in galaxy formation and evolution. Ghez’s extensive career includes a record of mentoring young scientists, advancing the development of astronomical instrumentation, and deepening our understanding of the universe's most fundamental phenomena. Ghez was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on the supermassive black hole, recognizing her as one of the foremost figures in astrophysical research.
She was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004.
"Andrea Ghez’s groundbreaking research exemplifies the power of curiosity-driven scientific exploration to reshape our understanding of the universe," said Laurie L. Patton, Academy President. "Her intellectual curiosity, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and exceptional leadership in the field of astrophysics illuminate one of the most mysterious regions of space and inspire us. We are proud to honor her with the Rumford Prize—one of the oldest awards for scientific pursuit in America."
“I am deeply honored to receive the Rumford Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,” said Ghez. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of many brilliant collaborators and the power of science to uncover the mysteries of our universe. I hope this acknowledgment inspires the next generation of scientists, particularly young girls, to pursue their curiosity and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”
Ghez received her PhD from California Institute of Technology and has held a faculty position at UCLA since 1994. In addition to her research, she serves on the leadership committees for the UC’s premiere astronomical telescopes, including W. M. Keck Observatory, which hosts the largest telescopes in the world, and the planned Thirty Meter Telescope. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Crafoord Prize in Astronomy from the Royal Swedish Academy of Science and the Bakerian Medal from the Royal Society of London.
The Rumford Prize - established in 1796 and first given in 1839 - is awarded by the Academy to individuals whose scientific discoveries or inventions have made the most significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of heat and light.
Ghez joins a distinguished group of previous laureates who have made groundbreaking advances in the physical sciences, including Thomas Edison, Enrico Fermi, and Edwin Land. The award was last given in 2021 to Charles L. Bennett for his contributions to the field of cosmology.
Ghez will accept the award at an event hosted by the Academy in 2025.
Learn more online about the Academy and the prizes it awards.