Annapurni Subramaniam wins COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026

8 August 2026National

Astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, won the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 for outstanding contribution to space research in developing countries. She is the 4th Indian, the first Indian woman scientist, and only the 3rd woman globally to receive it. The medal was presented at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy (dated 3 August 2026). Established in 1990 in honour of Vikram Sarabhai, it is awarded biennially jointly by COSPAR and ISRO. Prior Indian recipients: Anil Bhardwaj (2024), G.S. Lakhina (2014), U.R. Rao (1996).

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IIA HQ: Bengaluru | COSPAR: Committee on Space Research, affiliated to the International Science Council (ISC) | Vikram Sarabhai: father of India''s space programme, founder of ISRO (1969) & PRL.

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IIA Director Annapurni Subramaniam won the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 — the first Indian woman and 4th Indian — at the 46th COSPAR Assembly, Florence.

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