News: 2025

“Quantum sound” will aid the searches for both nuclear weapons and dark matter

UChicago astrophysicists’ physics-based models suggest dark energy may be evolving

Since 1994, the Cottrell Scholar program has honored and helped to develop outstanding teacher-scholars who are recognized by their scientific communities for the quality and innovation of their research programs and their potential for academic leadership.

Professors Paolo Privitera (Astronomy & Astrophysics and KICP) and Andrew Cleland (PME) have received a 2025-2027 DARPA award to develop novel qubit-based detectors of low-energy neutrinos.  The UChicago-led consortium supported by the QuSeN (Quantum Sensing of Neutrinos) program includes Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of California San Diego and Fermilab.

UChicago scientists probe the nature of mysterious ‘hidden-sector’ dark matter in DAMIC-M experiment

The Institute of International Education (IIE) announced today the selection of 37 exceptional students as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Quad Fellowship. These Fellows will pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at leading institutions around the world.

Webb telescope helps scientists narrow down the search for “Earth twin” planets

Study measuring magnetic field near the center of the Milky Way helps to decode the precise astrophysical dynamics at the heart of our galaxy

Priscilla Diane Chapman Frisch, a University of Chicago Research Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics and a world-leading scientist on the heliosphere and the local interstellar medium, died on April 2 at her home in Hyde Park. She was 81.

Study of the cosmic microwave background adds new depth to our understanding of universe

The IAU received 118 applications for a PhD prize for thesis defended between, defended between 16 December 2023 and 15 December 2024. The Divisions have awarded nine PhD Prizes, and each awardee will be invited to present their work during the Division Days at the IAU XXXIII General Assembly, which will be held in August 2027 in Rome, Italy. The Divisions have also awarded eight honourable mentions.

The Teaching Prize is based on nominations from students who shared compelling evidence of honorees’ outstanding contributions to their education. 

Logan Hanssler, a third-year student majoring in Molecular Engineering and Astrophysics, has been selected as a 2025 Astronaut Scholar. 

Project director for the Polarization Modulated Laser Satellite Experiment (PULSE-A), Hanssler hopes to pursue a PhD in Aerospace Engineering or Astrophysics. To hear him talk about forming a CubeSat laboratory on campus, the UChicago Space Program RSO, and how their team proposal was selected by NASA, click here.

Named for a renowned University of Chicago professor who shaped minds with his sense of duty and dedication to students, the Norman Maclean Faculty Award recognizes those who do the same.

As part of the 2025 Alumni Awards program, Prof. Emeritus Donald G. York, PhD’71, will receive the Norman Maclean Faculty Award honoring his extraordinary contributions to teaching and student life at the University of Chicago.

For a keen mind, the right mentor can make a world of difference. This may be especially true for students at the University of Chicago as they immerse in discovery. The relationships students build with their mentors support them as they connect with research opportunities, explore their passions and test their mettle against tough problems and enduring questions.