University of Warwick astrophysicist Dr Andrew Levan has been awarded a Philip Leverhulme Prize in Astronomy and Astrophysics by the Leverhulme Trust.

The prestigious prize acknowledges Dr Levan’s work within the University’s Department of Physics on the brightest explosions in nature, gamma-ray bursts and supernovae, as well as studies of the distant galaxies where they are made.

The awards, with a value of £70,000 each, are given to outstanding scholars who have made a substantial and recognised contribution to their particular field of study, recognised at an international level, and where the expectation is that their greatest achievement is yet to come.

Dr Levan said: “I’m very honoured to have received this award, which will allow me to drive forward my research into some of the most extreme and enigmatic objects in the Universe”.

The prizes commemorate the contribution to the work of the Trust made by Philip Leverhulme, the Third Viscount Leverhulme and grandson of the founder.

ENDS

For further information please contact University of Warwick press officer Anna Blackaby on 02476 575910 or 07785 433155 or a.blackaby@warwick.ac.uk

The Leverhulme Trust was established in 1925 under the Will of the first Viscount Leverhulme. It is one of the largest all-subject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing funds of some £60 million every year. For further information about the schemes that the Leverhulme Trust fund visit their website at www.leverhulme.ac.uk

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