An award-winning educator and astrophysicist has been recognised for his outstanding record of outreach and public engagement work in the field of astronomy.
Dr Edward Gomez from Cardiff University is the recipient of the Royal Astronomical Society's (RAS) Annie Maunder Medal 2026.
In making the award, the RAS acknowledged Dr Gomez's remarkable dedication over a long career, which has empowered educators to do real science in the classroom on a truly international scale.
They noted his renowned work creating Las Cumbres Observatory's Global Sky Partners, along with citizen science projects, interactive web applications, online celebrity events and his popular science comic book series, which collectively have made astronomy accessible to thousands who might never have otherwise engaged with the field.
Dr Gomez, who is also the President for the International Astronomical Union's Division of Education, Outreach and Heritage, said: "The award came as such a surprise. I'm absolutely delighted. Of course, it's not just recognition for myself but all the volunteers who freely and generously give their time to the projects I have worked on over the years."
Since 2004, Dr Gomez has passionately sought out ways to help people learn more about astronomy.
"My work is quite varied," he reflects. "But my primary audiences are those who are overlooked by traditional programmes, specifically underserved and underrepresented communities within education and, more specifically, in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
"This focus has led me to develop programmes for schools in Wales with high Free School Meal ratios, in rural communities in low-and middle-income countries and in the developing world."
His 21-year track record has seen him produce video content for young people and the general public, develop programmes to engage with audiences in low- and middle-income countries, and create interactive websites to excite primary school age students about scientific discovery and achievements.
As a self-confessed geek, Edward loves comic books. And in 2018, he launched one of his very own aimed at inspiring and empowering young people who think they can't do science, Ada's Adventures in Science .
He ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to mail 15,000 copies of the comic book, in 4 languages, to 20 countries around the world. Ada's Adventures is free to download and now available in 11 languages.
Reflecting on the importance of his outreach work, he said: "Now more than ever, we need a population who are sceptical of information given by the media, politicians and particularly AI."
Having a scientifically literate society is important for everyone, so we can make good choices in life. Astronomy, with all of its amazing discoveries and beautiful imagery, is a fantastic way to inspire and excite people towards this kind of science literacy.
Professor Haley Gomez, Head of Cardiff University's School of Physics and Astronomy, added: "Huge congratulations to Edward on being awarded the Annie Maunder Medal for 2026.
"Being his wife, I'm of course biased, but the impact of Edward's work speaks for itself. As of 2025, Global Sky partners are collaborating with 40 partners in 50 countries and reaching around 60,000 individuals annually."
I'm very proud as we all are here in the School of Physics and Astronomy to see his immense efforts recognised by the Royal Astronomical Society. Llongyfarchiadau/congratulations.
Annie Scott Dill Maunder (1868-1947) was one of the first women to be made a Fellow of the RAS. The medal was launched in 2016, as part of the Society's celebration of the centenary of the admission of women to Fellowship.
