2026 Michelson Lifetime Achievement Award attributed to Denis Mourard.

We are pleased to announce that, during the "Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging X" conference at SPIE Copenhaguen last week, the 2026 Michelson Lifetime Achievement Award was attributed to Denis Mourard2026 Michelson Lifetime Achievement Award attributed to Denis Mourard, Astronomer at Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire Lagrange.

The 2026 award recognizes Denis' outstanding contributions and leadership to the development of visible-light optical interferometry. Throughout his career, Denis has been instrumental in advancing the technology and leading ambitious scientific programs in this spectral regime, from the pioneering GI2T/REGAIN interferometers to the VEGA beam combiner at CHARA, and more recently the development of SPICA. His work has been central to establishing visible interferometry as a powerful observational technique, enabling numerous advances notably in high-angular-resolution stellar astrophysics.

The Michelson Award is attributed every two years by Lowell Observatory. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the scientific research and facility areas of optical interferometry, emphasizing application of interferometry to astrophysical research.

Congratulations to Denis!