Each year the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) recognises significant achievement in the fields of astronomy and geophysics through a number of awards, medals and prizes, encompassing different types of talent from research to education and outreach.

This year the 2026 Jackson-Gwilt Medal has been awarded to UK ATC's Professor Alistair Glasse, recognising his outstanding contributions to the development of infrared astronomical instrumentation.

The Jackson-Gwilt Medal celebrates innovation and technical excellence in astronomy and geophysics. Professor Glasse has played a pivotal role in advancing infrared instrumentation, enabling astronomers to probe the universe in unprecedented detail.

His work has been instrumental in the success of major international projects, including the James Webb Space Telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which is delivering groundbreaking science from the early universe to the formation of planetary systems. Current work is focussed on the METIS spectrometer for the Extremely Large Telescope​.

Professor Glasse said: “I am thrilled and very honoured to be recognised by the RAS for my contribution to infrared astronomical instrumentation. I continue to enjoy every day spent working with talented engineers and enthusiastic astronomers, in a field which inspires and energises all young scientists striving for a better future."

Find out more, including a full list of winners at the RAS awards.​