Chrysa Kouveliotou is one of the most distinguished Greek scientists worldwide, with a remarkable body of work in the field of High Energy Astrophysics. Her career is characterized by consistency, depth and international recognition, as she has made significant contributions to the understanding of phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts and magnetostrals – the most magnetized objects in the universe.

Born and raised in Greece, Chrysa Kouveliotou studied physics at the University of Athens and continued her studies in Germany and the United States. She worked for many years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, where she led numerous research projects, contributing significantly to the understanding of cosmic phenomena related to the evolution of stars and the origin of gamma rays.

In 2012 he was awarded the internationally renowned Danny Heinemann Astrophysics Prize, and has also received the Rossi Award (2003), the Descartes Award (2004) and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Recognition of her work culminated in 2015 with her induction into the US National Academy of Sciences – one of the world’s highest scientific institutions.

Today, the Greek astrophysicist is Professor of Physics at George Washington University, and in 2024 she was awarded the Bodossaki Prize, one of the most important scientific awards in Greece, for her work and contribution.

Kouveliotou is one of the world’s leading scientists, consistently ranked among the Highly Cited Researchers. Her research has influenced the global scientific community, while her discoveries have boosted the study of the most mysterious regions of the universe.

Her career is a model of excellence and inspiration. She says that “it is an honour to have your efforts recognised by the scientific community” and her work is paving the way for the next generation of researchers.

Chrysa Kouveliotou continues to serve science with dedication and modesty, holding high the flag of Greece on the world map of Astrophysics.