Alice Shapley receives the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics

UCLA physics and astronomy professor Alice Shapley has received the Dannie Heineman Prize in recognition of her influential research in the origin and development of galaxies. The award is granted by the American Astronomical Society and the American Institute of Physics to recognize outstanding mid-career work in astrophysics.

Shapley, vice chair of the UCLA Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, is known as one of the discoverers of the oldest known spiral galaxy. Her research interests include galaxy formation and evolution and the feedback processes in starburst galaxies. The Harvard-Radcliffe alum has published numerous scientific papers and previously received the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy Teacher of the Year award, among other honors.

Shapley used large telescopes on the ground and in space to reveal key information about energy distributions in the context of astronomical science. 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 award, funded by the Heineman Foundation, was founded by engineer and businessman Dannie Heineman. Nominees must demonstrate 10-20 years of professional experience as an astronomer and a significant impact on their field in astrophysics through publications, teaching, research and other related efforts.