Sandra Faber, University Professor and chair of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, received the 2009 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science in a ceremony yesterday at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
The Bower Award and Prize, which includes a gold medal and cash prize of $250,000, is among the nation's richest science prizes (see earlier story). Faber was honored for "extraordinary advances in our knowledge of the properties of distant galaxies, dark matter, large scale structure of the Universe, and black holes in galactic nuclei; and for innovative leadership in the development of astronomical facilities."
The Franklin Institute Awards Program dates back to 1824, when the institute was founded by a group of leading Philadelphians. The awards honor individuals whose great innovation has benefited humanity, advanced science, launched new fields of inquiry, and deepened our understanding of the universe. They are among the oldest and most prestigious comprehensive science awards in the world.
Additional information about the Franklin Awards--including biographies of the 2009 laureates, video profiles, and podcasts--is available on the Franklin Institute web site.
