2025 Laboratory Astrophysics Prize

2025 LAD Laboratory Astrophysics Prize Goes to Michael McCarthy 

The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is awarding its 2025 Laboratory Astrophysics Prize to Dr. Michael McCarthy of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA). This prize is given to Dr. McCarthy in recognition of his contributions to the field of high-resolution spectroscopy of reactive molecules relevant to astronomy, chemistry, and the atmosphere.

The Laboratory Astrophysics Prize, LAD’s highest honor, is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to laboratory astrophysics over an extended period of time. Over the past 30 years, the work of Dr. McCarthy has led to the detection of numerous 'non-terrestrial' molecules. Through the development of sensitive microwave instrumentation, Dr. McCarthy’s group has discovered hundreds of reactive molecules in the laboratory, including long carbon chains, organic and aromatic rings, energetic isomers, positively- and negatively-charged species, and metal-containing molecules. Many of these exotic molecules have since been observed in space, offering valuable insights into the interstellar medium and the chemical processes at work there.

Dr. McCarthy has been actively involved in mentoring next-generation scientists. He has co-authored over 270 peer-reviewed publications and received various awards and honors. Additionally, he serves on multiple editorial boards and advisory committees.

Dr. McCarthy earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Alaska in 1986 and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from MIT in 1992. After starting as a Center Fellow, he became a staff scientist in 1997 and has remained at the CfA ever since. Presently, Dr. McCarthy is the Deputy Director and a Senior Physicist.

The LAD Career Prize includes a cash award, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture at the summer 2025 meeting of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division.

Contacts:
Murthy S. Gudipati
LAD Past Chair
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
+1 (818) 536-9028

Rachel L. Smith
LAD Secretary
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences /
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Appalachian State University
+1 (919) 707-8239

Michael McCarthy
Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
+1 (617) 495-7262

The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) is a multi-disciplinary division that encompasses experimental and theoretical research, and related observational astronomy and planetary science, with the objective of advancing our understanding of the fundamental processes that drive the Universe.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, which it achieves through publishing, meetings, science advocacy, education and outreach, and training and professional development.