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Professor Jonathan Tennyson of University College London (UCL), Department of Physics & Astronomy, has been awarded the Royal Astronomical Society’s (RAS) Gold Medal—the Society’s most prestigious accolade—for his pioneering work in molecular physics and its transformative impact on the study of exoplanetary atmospheres.

The Gold Medal, first awarded in 1824, has previously been bestowed upon scientific luminaries including Albert Einstein, Edwin Hubble, Stephen Hawking, and Arthur Eddington. Professor Tennyson now joins this historic lineage in recognition of his extensive contributions to the field of exoplanet science.

Professor Tennyson leads the ExoMol project, an internationally recognized initiative that produces high-accuracy molecular data to support the interpretation of astronomical spectra—especially those from hot exoplanets. This database has become an essential tool for astronomers seeking to decode the atmospheric compositions of planets orbiting distant stars.

His theoretical research has enabled major scientific milestones, such as the first detection of water in sunspots and the identification of complex molecules in exoplanet atmospheres, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the chemistry and physics of planetary environments beyond our solar system.

Reacting to the award, Professor Tennyson expressed deep gratitude:

“This award is a recognition of the continuing importance of extensive and high-quality laboratory data in supporting cutting-edge astronomical research, and the important role astronomy plays in the development of new methods in atomic and molecular physics.”

This honour underscores Professor Tennyson’s role as a global leader at the intersection of laboratory spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, and astronomy, and affirms the lasting impact of his work in enabling the discovery of worlds beyond our own.