Priyamvada Natarajan, a distinguished astrophysicist at Yale University, has been awarded the 2025 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics for her groundbreaking research on the enigmatic world of black holes and dark matter.

A renowned author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas that Reveal the Cosmos, Natarajan joined Yale in 2000 and continues to make significant contributions to astrophysics. Her work was also showcased in a video at LSC’s planetarium, the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
“I am delighted and deeply honoured to be recognised by the AAS and AIP,” Natarajan told Yale News, who holds the Joseph S. and Sophia S. Fruton Professorship and chairs Yale’s Astronomy Department.
“This is an exhilarating time for astrophysics, with rapid validation of theoretical ideas through abundant data. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey.”
The prestigious prize, jointly conferred by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP), honours mid-career researchers making exceptional contributions to astrophysics. Natarajan is the first Yale faculty member to receive this accolade since its inception in 1980.

Natarajan’s pioneering work has reshaped our understanding of the unseen universe. Her theoretical models on the formation and growth of black holes during the universe’s infancy have been validated through cutting-edge observational discoveries. Additionally, her innovative use of gravitational lensing has enabled precise mapping of dark matter, providing fresh insights into its elusive nature.
Since joining Yale in 2000, Natarajan has made immense contributions to astrophysics and interdisciplinary science. She also directs Yale’s Franke Program in Science and the Humanities. Her accolades include fellowships with leading academies and organisations, such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2024.
In 2022, Natarajan received the Liberty Science Center (LSC) Genius Award for her groundbreaking work mapping the unseen universe, including dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. The award celebrates innovation and creativity in science and technology, with past recipients including Jane Goodall and Nobel laureate Kip Thorne.

With over two decades of impactful research, Natarajan’s work continues to guide astronomers in exploring the cosmos with next-generation telescopes. The $10,000 Heineman Prize was announced at the AAS meeting on January 16 in National Harbor, Maryland, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Natarajan, who grew up inspired by visits to the Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi, has described her passion for exploring the cosmos and sharing the thrill of discovery.
“It is a real honor and privilege to be a scientist and engage deeply with our wondrous and mysterious universe and be able to share insights, exciting results, and most of all the thrill of discovery with everyone.”
Her groundbreaking research interests span the evolution of supermassive black holes, their role in galaxy formation, and their interplay with dark matter. Natarajan’s visionary contributions have cemented her legacy as a leader in theoretical astrophysics, pushing the boundaries of what we know about the universe.
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