Peter Martin (supplied image)
Peter Martin awarded 2026 George Van Biesbroeck Prize
Published: March 5, 2026
Peter Martin, a professor in the David A. Dunlap department of astronomy and astrophysics in the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), has received the 2026 George Van Biesbroeck Prize from the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
The AAS grants this award every two years to individuals in recognition of service to astronomy and commitment to scientific discovery and social good that transcend their professional obligations.
Martin was cited for his visionary leadership in founding CITA as well as the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics – institutions that have become world-leading centres for research and training, bolstering the Canadian astronomical community.
“It has been a real privilege to be a faculty member at the University of Toronto for some 54 years, engaging in a discipline that has changed so profoundly during my career and continues to surprise us,” says Martin. “While I am deeply appreciative of this prize awarded by the AAS, I recognize that nothing would have been possible without so many fine people with whom I have had the good fortune to work. There is much to be grateful for and more to be accomplished.”
CITA's interim director Shantanu Basu described Martin as the embodiment of the spirit of the George Van Biesbroeck Prize, saying: “Beyond his characteristic generosity as a mentor, he is a rare scholar whose expertise spans theory, observation, and instrumentation. Peter has pioneered a new era for Canadian astronomy that has produced and continues to produce global impact.”
