Alice Shapley, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has been awarded the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics. The award is given by the American Astronomical Society and the American Institute of Physics to recognize significant mid-career achievements in astrophysics.
Shapley serves as vice chair of UCLA’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. She is recognized as one of the discoverers of the oldest known spiral galaxy. Her research focuses on galaxy formation and evolution, with particular attention to feedback processes in starburst galaxies. Shapley, a graduate of Harvard-Radcliffe, has published extensively and previously received UCLA’s Teacher of the Year award from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The press release notes that Shapley “used large telescopes on the ground and in space to reveal key information about energy distributions in the context of astronomical science.” It adds: “A leader in the field of galaxy formation and evolution, her findings have helped explain the complex interaction between energetic radiation, ionization of gas, atomic excitation and other processes that shape how galaxies evolve. These discoveries contribute to a deeper understanding of how galaxies and stars are created and change over time, opening the door to further breakthroughs in astronomy and physics.”
The Dannie Heineman Prize is funded by the Heineman Foundation. It was established by engineer and businessman Dannie Heineman. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have 10–20 years’ professional experience as an astronomer with significant impact through publications, teaching, research or related efforts.
