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George V. Coyne, S.J., cited for international summer school and for "unique role" in science and relgion.

The American Astronomical Society awarded its 2009 George Van Biesbroeck prize to a Vatican Observatory astronomer who has strong ties to southern Arizona and The University of Arizona.

The Van Biesbroeck prize was recently given to George V. Coyne, S.J. "in recognition of the diversity and scientific richness he has brought to the astronomical community through his visionary leadership of the Vatican Observatory Summer School and its long-term mentoring program," the society noted.

The society added that Coyne was also selected because of "for the unique role he has played at the junction of science and religion."

Coyne, who was director of the Vatican Observatory from 1978 to 2006, was instrumental in establishing the Vatican Observatory Research Group at the UA in Tucson and also the 1.8-meter Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mount Graham, Ariz. He is now director emeritus of the Vatican Observatory and president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

A native of Baltimore, Md., Coyne completed his bachelor's degree in mathematics and his licentiate in philosophy at New York City's Fordham University in 1958. He obtained his doctorate in astronomy from Georgetown University in 1962.

Coyne joined the UA Lunar and Planetary Laboratory as a senior research fellow with the UA astronomy department as a lecturer in 1976. In 1977, he was named director of UA's Catalina Observatory and associate director of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.

Coyne was named director of the Vatican Observatory and also associate director of UA Steward Observatory in 1978. He served as acting director and head of Steward Observatory and the UA astronomy department in 1979 and 1980 and has since been an adjunct professor in the UA astronomy department.

He was a major force in establishing the international Vatican Observatory Summer School that has been taught every two years since 1986 at the Vatican Observatory, which has its headquarters at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, outside Rome.

The summer school "has built a distinctive community for career support, international collaborations, and development of astronomy across the globe," the American Astronomical Society citation said.

"Approximately 85 percent of Vatican Observatory Summer School attendees are still active in research or teaching in astronomy and astrophysics, and many are now prominent members of our community," the citation continued.

UA astronomers and planetary scientists have taught at several of the summer schools and are involved in organizing the "super" summer school to be held at the Vatican Observatory this year from June 21 to June 26.

"Father Coyne also has significantly advanced the Vatican Observatory's goal of becoming a modern research institution, which carries a notable impact both in scientific and religious/philosophical circles," the American Astronomical Society said.

The American Astronomical Society, established 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The organization's basic objective is to promote the advancement of astronomy and closely related branches of science. The approximately 7,000 member organization also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy.

The society's citation continued: "Father Coyne is an active spokesperson for issues regarding the many interactions between science and religion, particularly his Catholic faith. In this respect, he has served both the scientific community and the world's religious wisdom traditions in our mutual pursuit of truth."