Jacco Vink, a leading expert in the field of high-energy astrophysics, has been awarded the prestigious Humboldt Research Award. This accolade recognizes internationally renowned scientists whose work has made a lasting impact on their field. The award includes a research stay at DESY, fostering further scientific collaboration.

Vink is an associate professor at the University of Amsterdam and is globally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the study of supernova remnants and the origins of cosmic rays. His scientific career spans a remarkable breadth of topics, including particle acceleration in supernova shocks, hydrodynamic simulations, and X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy. Notably, he has largely contributed to the advance to gamma-ray astronomy, being deeply involved on Cherenkov instruments like H.E.S.S. and the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO).

“Jacco’s expertise in high-energy astrophysics and his remarkable ability to connect science and technology make him an invaluable collaborator,” says Emma de Oña Wilhelmi, H.E.S.S. group leader at DESY and promotor of the award. “We are thrilled to host him at DESY, where his contributions will strengthen our research into some of the most relevant questions in Galactic gamma-ray astrophysics.”

As the lead for the Dutch contributions to the CTAO, Vink has played a key role in both hardware development and scientific planning for this next-generation gamma-ray observatory. DESY, a key partner in the CTAO, contributes significantly to both instrument design and scientific exploitation. Vink’s research stay at DESY planned for spring will deepen the collaboration between the institutions and strengthen activities in gamma-ray and astroparticle physics.

In addition to his involvement with the CTAO, Vink is deeply involved in international space missions such as IXPE and XRISM. These projects provide critical insights into X-ray astronomy and complement with DESY’s research focus on multi-wavelength and multi-messenger science activities. His expertise in space telescopes developments aligns with one of DESY’s flagship projects, the ULTRASAT satellite. Vink´s expertise in planning and data analysis for space telescopes will enhance DESY's role in cosmic exploration.

“Jacco’s arrival at DESY represents an extraordinary opportunity for collaboration,” says David Berge, Head of the Gamma group and Lead Scientist at DESY. “His expertise in gamma-ray and X-ray astronomy, combined with his leadership in space science projects, will not only enhance DESY’s role in cosmic exploration but also inspire the next generation of researchers.”

The Humboldt Research Award not only recognizes Vink’s outstanding career but also promotes future collaboration with DESY and other international partners. Together with DESY, he will work on maximizing the scientific potential of the first CTAO telescopes, advancing the development of next generation instruments. His research will be crucial in addressing open questions in astroparticle physics, such as the origins of cosmic rays and the role of magnetic fields in extreme plasmas. This award offers a unique opportunity to combine Vink’s expertise with DESY’s capabilities, paving the way for the next generation of astrophysical research.

The award is conferred by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and recognizes the overall achievements of internationally recognized researchers from abroad. The prizewinners are invited to Germany for research stays and can arrange these flexibly. In addition to promoting international science, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation pursues the goal of enabling researchers from all countries and disciplines to establish a personal relationship with Germany. The award will be officially presented on 27 March in Bamberg at the symposium for research award winners.