The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has awarded astronomer Sandra Faber an Honorary Fellowship of the RAS. Faber, a University Professor of astronomy and astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz and interim director of UC Observatories, was recognized "for her extraordinary leadership in observational cosmology and galaxy formation, and for her community leadership."
Faber is known for her pioneering research on the formation and evolution of galaxies, distant galaxy clusters, and the large-scale structure of the universe. According to the RAS fellowship citation, "Her research has delivered fundamental advances in our understanding of dark matter, the origin of galaxies, and black holes in galactic nuclei. She has taken a leading role in promoting and exploiting large observational facilities, including the Keck Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope."
Faber has received many awards and honors in recognition of her accomplishments, including the National Medal of Science, the Franklin Institute's Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science, and two awards for lifetime scientific achievement, the Bruce Medal of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the Russell Prize of the American Astronomical Society. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and American Philosophical Society.
