A Groundbreaking Honor for the DESI Team

In a stunning announcement, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has revealed that the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration will be the recipient of the highly esteemed 2026 Lancelot M. Berkeley-New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy. This accolade shines a spotlight on the team’s groundbreaking initiatives in understanding the universe.

The Powerhouse Behind the Project

A colossal international endeavor, DESI boasts over 750 researchers from more than 70 global institutions, including key players from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Professors Alexie Leauthaud-Harnett, Connie Rockosi, and J. Xavier Prochaska from the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics are leading the charge. Leauthaud, co-spokesperson for DESI, remarked, "This prize is a testament to the incredible success of the DESI team and their potentially paradigm-shifting discoveries about dark energy."

Mapping the Cosmic Landscape

At the heart of this scientific revolution is the creation of the largest 3D map of the universe, which allows researchers to delve deep into the enigmatic effects of dark energy across cosmic time. With over 14 million galaxies and quasars analyzed since its inception, DESI is transforming our comprehension of the cosmos and offering fresh insights into the leading cosmological models.

Innovative Technology at Work

Located at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope in Arizona, DESI utilizes cutting-edge technology capable of capturing light from 5,000 galaxies simultaneously. Constructed with funding from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, DESI’s operations are led by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This state-of-the-art instrument is pivotal in harnessing cosmic data to understand dark energy's role in the universe.

A Legacy of Discovery

As the collaboration maps galaxies and quasars stretching out to 11 billion light-years away, DESI’s findings are not just significant—they are revolutionary. AAS Senior Vice President Dawn Gelino emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "DESI’s record-breaking map of the universe is transforming our understanding of dark energy and the cosmos itself." This prestigious prize highlights a monumental collaborative achievement that is set to influence cosmological models for decades to come.