Jonathan (Joss) Bland-Hawthorn, Professor of Physics at the University of Sydney, Australia, is one of the world’s leading researchers in galactic astrophysics. He has helped develop research areas such as near-field cosmology and galactic archaeology, which link the motions and chemical composition of stars to the cosmic origins of galaxies. His research has provided crucial insights into galaxy formation, dwarf galaxies and galactic winds. Bland-Hawthorn has published over 830 scientific articles and received numerous international awards.
Bland-Hawthorn has an established and active collaboration with researchers at the Faculty of Science, particularly in the study of galaxy evolution in the early universe. Through regular research visits, advanced doctoral-level teaching and joint projects, he contributes significantly to the faculty’s research and education.
“Through these appointments, we are strengthening our international network and our long-term strategic collaborations in both chemistry and astrophysics,” says Per Persson, Dean of the Faculty of Science.
Josh now joins the list of astronomers that have obtained an honorary doctorate from Lund University
- 2026: Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn, University of Sydney, Australia.
- 2024: R. Michael Rich, University of California Los Angeles, USA.
- 2020: Thomas Henning, Heidelberg University, Germany.
- 2010: Michael Perryman, Netherlands.
- 2004: Jacques M Beckers, Netherlands.
- 1996 : David Leckrone, NASA, USA.
More information about the 2026 honorary doctors can be found on the Faculty of Science website