Konstantin Karchev, researcher at the Institute of Cosmic Sciences at the University of Barcelona (ICCUB), has been awarded the International Astronomical Union (IAU) 2025 PhD Prize in the division of Facilities, Technologies and Data Science. The prize recognizes outstanding doctoral theses in astronomy worldwide.
Karchev's thesis, under the title Supernova Cosmology for the 21st Century, represents a significant advance in the analysis of next-generation astronomical data. The study develops a simulation-based Bayesian framework for supernova cosmology, capable of overcoming key limitations of traditional approaches, such as selection biases, model simplification and uncertainties in photometric redshifts.
The study combines high-performance computing with graphics processing units (GPUs) and new neural network architectures capable of handling complex and heterogeneous data. These tools are particularly relevant in the context of major upcoming observational projects, such as those of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, enabling more robust and accurate cosmological inferences.
"I am deeply honoured by this prestigious recognition, for the efforts that I, my doctoral supervisor Roberto Trotta, and everyone I have collaborated with have put into this thesis. I hope it will inspire future scientists to think holistically about problems and solutions, and to approach academic work with pride and enjoyment," said Karchev.
The IAU PhD Prize is awarded annually across nine scientific divisions, each of which recognizes the most outstanding doctoral thesis in its field. In addition to Karchev, the 2025 winners are Maximilian Häberle (in Fundamental Astronomy), Kaleb Alho (Education, Outreach and Heritage), Yi Zhang (High Energy Phenomena), Hidetaka Kuniyoshi (Sun and Heliosphere), Bibiana Prilanth (Planetary Systems and Astrobiology), Hila Glanz (Stars and Stellar Physics), Claude Cournoyer-Cloutier (Interstellar Matter and Local Universe) and Abigail Lee (Galaxies and Cosmology).
All the awardees will be invited to present their research at the IAU 33rd General Assembly , which will take place in Rome in August 2027.
