2025 LAD Laboratory Astrophysics Prize Goes to Michael McCarthy

This post is adapted from a Laboratory Astrophysics Division press release:

The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is awarding its 2025 Laboratory Astrophysics Prize to Dr. Michael McCarthy of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA). This prize is given to Dr. McCarthy in recognition of his contributions to the field of high-resolution spectroscopy of reactive molecules relevant to astronomy, chemistry, and the atmosphere.

The Laboratory Astrophysics Prize, LAD’s highest honor, is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to laboratory astrophysics over an extended period of time. Over the past 30 years, the work of Dr. McCarthy has led to the detection of numerous "non-terrestrial" molecules. Through the development of sensitive microwave instrumentation, Dr. McCarthy’s group has discovered hundreds of reactive molecules in the laboratory, including long carbon chains, organic and aromatic rings, energetic isomers, positively and negatively charged species, and metal-containing molecules. Many of these exotic molecules have since been observed in space, offering valuable insights into the interstellar medium and the chemical processes at work there.

Dr. McCarthy has been actively involved in mentoring next-generation scientists. He has co-authored over 270 peer-reviewed publications and received various awards and honors. Additionally, he serves on multiple editorial boards and advisory committees.

Dr. McCarthy earned a BS in Chemistry from the University of Alaska in 1986 and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1992. After starting as a Center Fellow, he became a staff scientist in 1997 and has remained at the CfA ever since. Presently, Dr. McCarthy is the Deputy Director and a Senior Physicist.

The LAD Laboratory Astrophysics Prize includes a cash award, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture at the summer 2025 LAD meeting.