Dr. Nelson Padilla, current director of the IATE, has been awarded the 2025 José Luis Sérsic Award for Senior Researcher by the Asociación Argentina de Astronomía (AAA, Argentine Association of Astronomy).

This is not just a praise to his career but also a source of pride for the IATE since the award is named after its well-known founder, José Luis Sérsic.

The Sérsic Award from the AAA is awarded every two years to senior researchers to distinguish their work and commitment with new generations’ formation in astronomy. José Luis Sérsic (1933-1993) was a remarkable participant of Argentine astronomy, recognised by his important input into galaxy morphology. His large legacy, particularly the work developed in Córdoba, set the stage for galaxy structure and evolution studies.

The jury consisted of Dr. Elena Terlevich, Dr. Alejandro Córsico and Dr. Andrea Costa, and it highlighted the exceptional quality of Dr Padilla’s publications (193 articles, more than 16.000 cites and a h-index of 58), his leadership role in young learner’s formation (he directed more than 20 undergraduate thesis, 9 master thesis, 12 doctorate thesis, and 9 postdoctorate thesis), and his significant contributions to institutional management and scientific communication.

Dr. Padilla earned his Astronomy degree (Licentiate in 1998 and Doctorate in 2001) from the National University of Cordoba (UNC). Moreover, he consolidated his career by completing his postdoctorate studies in Durham University (Great Britain) and the Pontifacia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC, Pontifacia Catholic University of Chile). He has been Principal Researcher at the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET, National Scientific and Technical Research Council), Lecturer at the UNC and Director of the IATE since 2021.

It should be emphasized that Dr. Diego García Lambas, former director of the IATE, had previously been awarded the same distinction. His notable contributions to cosmology and other areas have also strengthened the IATE’s scientific positioning, accentuating even more the institute’s commitment with high-quality research. The continuos awarding to our members is a clear sign of the scientific excellence that the institute fosters inside its walls.

Our whole community congratulates Dr. Padilla for this recognition that distinguishes his impact on national and international astronomy which will inspire future generations. “We are so happy for the recognition showed to Nelson, with this award and by being incorporated to the ANCEFyN”, said Dante Paz, researcher at the IATE, one of whom nominated Dr. Padilla. “Since his doctorate studies and throughout his illustrious international career, collaborating with key contributors and international projects, Nelson never left the IATE and the scientific community of Córdoba and Argentina behind. He has always been a generous man who built bridges, shared contacts and boosted international participation of the institute. His commitment to student and colleague growth, both abroad and back at Córdoba, evidentiates that this award is well-deserved.”

The award ceremony will be held at the 67th Annual Meeting of the AAA in Mendoza.