The Arctowski Medal is presented every two years to recognize outstanding contributions to the study of solar physics and solar terrestrial relationships. The Medal is presented with an award of $100,000, plus $100,000 to support research in solar physics and solar terrestrial relationships at an institution of the recipient’s choice. The Arctowski Medal was established in 1958 by the bequest of Jane Arctowska in honor of her husband, Henryk Arctowski.
Stuart D. Bale, University of California, Berkeley, will receive the 2025 Arctowski Medal.
Bale has revolutionized our understanding of the energization of and heat transport in the solar wind.
Bale’s seminal work includes the development and operation of space-borne experiments to study the plasma processes active in astrophysical, heliospheric, and magnetospheric systems. His work includes leading the development of novel spacecraft instrumentation used on the NASA Parker Solar Probe mission, which is advancing our understanding of the generation of the solar wind.
Bale’s research has had a significant impact on a broad range of plasma physics phenomena, including electromagnetic waves and instabilities, collisionless magnetic reconnection and shocks, electron heat conduction, and plasma turbulence.
Bale will be honored in a ceremony on Sunday, April 27 during the National Academy of Sciences’ 162nd annual meeting. The ceremony will be livestreamed.
Award History
The Arctowski Medal was established in 1958 by the bequest of Jane Arctowska in honor of her husband, Henryk Arctowski, a Polish scientist and explorer and internationally renowned meteorologist. The medal was first awarded in 1969 to J. Paul Wild in recognition of his many and comprehensive contributions to solar radio astronomy.
Previous recipients of the Arctowski Medal continue to achieve outstanding advancements in their fields. One recipient, Eugene Parker, has been honored with a National Medal of Science and was the first living person to have a NASA spacecraft named after him.
Most Recent Recipient
Stuart D. Bale
2025
Sign up for Newsletter
Join the awards mailing list to receive updates including news, nomination details, and deadlines.