Werner Hofmann Scientific Award presented for the first time

Shotaro Abe Wins First Werner Hofmann Scientific Award

On 14 October, the inaugural Werner Hofmann Scientific Award was awarded to Shotaro Abe, a researcher at the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research (ICRR) and University of Tokyo, for his groundbreaking work on dark matter and PeVatrons.

Launched in early 2025 by the CTAO Central Organisation, the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award recognises early-career researchers who make significant contributions to gamma-ray astronomy and the CTAO through innovative research, technical advances, or emerging scientific leadership. Named in honour of Prof. Werner Hofmann, director emeritus at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, the award reflects his enduring influence on the field and his instrumental role in shaping the vision and realisation of the CTAO.

The CTAO press release with further information can be found here.

Roberta Zanin, Shotaro Abe, Werner Hofmann and Stuart McMuldorch, together with the award, standing in front of a meeting room
Von links nach rechts: Roberta Zanin, Shotaro Abe, Werner Hofmann and Stuart McMuldorch, Im Anschluss an die Verleihung. Bildrechte: Tiziana Petrarolo (CTAO)