Crafoord Prize in Geosciences to former Bert Bolin Lecturer and advisor

Prof. Veerabhadran Ramanathan has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences “for fundamental contributions to our understanding of how aerosol particles and other climate pollutants influence the atmospheric energy balance and the Earth system.” The Crafoord Prize is one of the world’s foremost scientific distinctions and recognizes research that fundamentally reshapes our understanding of the Earth and its climate.

Ramanathan’s decades-long career has profoundly influenced climate science by revealing how small particles and gases accumulate in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. His work broadened the scientific focus beyond carbon dioxide alone, showing that aerosols and other short-lived climate pollutants play a crucial role in Earth’s energy budget, with implications for both climate change and air quality.

Watch a video from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences about Professor Ramanathan and the Crafoord Prize.

From distinguished lecturer to scientific advisor

The Bolin Centre for Climate Research has had the privilege of engaging closely with Ramanathan over the years. In 2018, he was invited as the Bert Bolin Climate Lecturer, where he delivered his widely recognized talk “Bending the Curve: Climate Change Solution.” The lecture highlighted science-based pathways to address climate change and continues to resonate with researchers, students, and practitioners working at the interface of climate science and policy.
Ramanathan’s engagement with the Bolin Centre continued when he served as a member of the Bolin Centre’s External Science Advisory Group during 2020 and 2021, contributing strategic advice and scientific insight that supported the Centre’s research development and international collaboration.

Beyond these formal roles, Ramanathan has collaborated with several Bolin Centre members over decades, resulting in joint research projects, publications, and scientific exchange that has strengthened both his work and the Centre’s research community

A legacy of climate insight and public engagement

Since the 1980s, Ramanathan has been at the forefront of atmospheric and climate research. He contributed to NASA’s satellite measurements of Earth’s energy budget, demonstrating how heat is increasingly trapped in the atmosphere due to human-emitted greenhouse gases. His pioneering work on the climate effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other trace gases helped reshape scientific understanding and informed international efforts to curb harmful emissions.
His influence extends well beyond scientific discovery. Professor Örjan Gustafsson, Bolin Centre member and professor of biogeochemistry at Stockholm University, emphasized Ramanathan’s broader impact, saying:

“His quiet but effective way of communicating has been key to involving both the research community and decision-makers. With an eye for the most vulnerable on our planet and an ear for younger researchers, he has inspired an entire generation of climate scientists.”

Both Ramanathan and Gustafsson also serve as members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, an international body of leading scientists that provides independent scientific advice on global challenges. Their shared membership further reflects the global recognition and trust placed in their scientific expertise.

Scientific recognition at a critical time

Professor Ilona Riipinen, Director of the Bolin Centre and member of the Crafoord Prize Committee, highlighted the breadth of Ramanathan’s contributions:
“He has expanded our view of how humankind is affecting the atmosphere’s composition, the climate and air quality, and how these three interact.”

Upon receiving news of the prize, Ramanathan emphasized the broader importance of the recognition for climate science itself. Speaking to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, he underscored the value of strong scientific foundations at a time of heightened public scrutiny:

“This prize shows that climate science is based on the best possible observations and fundamental principles of physics and chemistry. It gives me a forum to talk about the science of climate change and build public trust in climate science.”

The Crafoord Prize in context

The Crafoord Prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in disciplines that complement the Nobel Prizes. The prize includes 8 million Swedish kronor and will be presented to Professor Ramanathan during the Crafoord Days events in Lund and Stockholm from 18 to 20 May 2026.

This recognition not only honors an exceptional scientific career but also highlights the importance of fundamental climate research in understanding and addressing global environmental change. For the Bolin Centre, it is also a moment to celebrate a valued lecturer, advisor, and collaborator whose work continues to shape the field.
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Read the press release from the Royal Swedish Academy of Science