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Richard Bond recognized with Shaw Prize in Astronomy
Published: May 28, 2025
Richard Bond, a University Professor in the David A. Dunlap department of astronomy and astrophysics and the department of physics in the Faculty of Arts & Science and professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), has been awarded the 2025 Shaw Prize in Astronomy.
The Shaw Prize honours people who have made breakthroughs in academic and scientific research or applications, and whose work has a positive and profound impact. There are three annual prizes – Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Science – each with an award of US$1.2 million.
Bond, the first U of T faculty member to receive the honour, shares the prize equally with George Efstathiou of the University of Cambridge. The two researchers have done groundbreaking work on the fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB), which is the faint afterglow of the Big Bang. Their theoretical predictions have led to precise determinants of the universe’s age, its geometric shape, and its composition of matter and energy.
“We are incredibly proud of Dick Bond for this well-deserved international recognition,” said Shantanu Basu, director of CITA. “His visionary research into the early universe has not only provided the theoretical bedrock for interpreting CMB observations but has also affirmed CITA’s and Canada’s position at the forefront of global cosmology.”
“Professor Bond’s pioneering work in theoretical cosmology has helped answer fundamental questions about what the universe is made of, how it grew into its current form and how it might evolve in the future," added Stephen Wright, acting dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. "It is wonderful to see his exceptional contributions to astronomy recognized with this award and I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honour.”
