Academician Frank Shu has been awarded the 2009 Shaw Prize in Astronomy, the Shaw Prize Foundation announced June 16.

The Shaw Prize consists of three awards, the Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences awards, which are awarded annually to individuals who have achieved significant breakthroughs in academic and scientific research or application and whose work has resulted in a positive and profound impact on mankind. Each prize carries a monetary award of US$1 million. An award ceremony will be held on Oct 7 in Hong Kong.

Prof. Frank Shu was awarded the prize for a lifetime of distinguished achievement in theoretical astrophysics. His seminal contributions to the field include the co-development with C. C. Lin of the density-wave theory of spiral structure in disk galaxies, the dynamics of mass transfer in interacting binary stars, the formation of stars and planetary systems, the resonant forcing of density waves and bending waves in Saturn’s rings, the origin of chondritic meteorites, and the successful prediction that comets would be found to contain highly thermally processed rocks in contrast to the then prevailing belief that they are composed only of primitive material indicative of their pristine origin in the coldest and most remote parts of interplanetary space. 

Prof. Shu said that he was deeply honored and humbled on hearing the news that he had won the prize, and was particularly thankful to his late parents and his advisor and mentor Professor Chiao-Chao Lin, who emphasized the importance of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, commitment, and service to a larger cause. He regards any success he may have achieved to stem from their teachings. He is also deeply grateful to Sir Run Run Shaw and his Foundation for establishing these international awards.

Prof. Shu is a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica and was a University Professor of the nine University of California campuses from 1999 to 2009. From 2002 until 2006 he served as President of National Tsing Hua University. Prof. Shu also served as President of the American Astronomical Society, from 1994 to 1996.

The Shaw Prize is an international award established by Hong Kong media magnate Run Run Shaw in 2002 and managed and administered by The Shaw Prize Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to the promotion of education, scientific and technological research, medical and welfare services, and culture and the arts.