The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) celebrates the appointment of its researcher Rafael Rebolo López, Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), as a Full Member of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Spain (RAC), one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious scientific institutions.
The election, unanimously agreed upon by the Academy’s plenary session in March, represents recognition of Rebolo’s extensive and distinguished scientific career, as well as his contribution to the development of modern astrophysics from Spain and, in particular, from the Canary Islands.
Rafael Rebolo (Cartagena, 1961) has been a researcher at the IAC since 1984 and served as its Director between 2013 and 2024. Throughout his career, he has carried out pioneering research in key areas such as the cosmic microwave background, exoplanets, brown dwarfs, the first stars and stellar black holes. He has authored over 600 scientific publications in high-impact international journals and has contributed to some of the most significant advances in contemporary astrophysics.
Among his scientific milestones are the discovery of the first brown dwarfs in our galaxy in 1995, the detection of terrestrial exoplanets around nearby stars, pioneering measurements of anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background, and observational evidence of the connection between supernovae and black holes. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the Jaime I Research Prize and the National Research Award “Blas Cabrera”.
Rebolo currently leads the European CELESTE Project, a strategic initiative headed by the IAC (2025–2030) aimed at creating a Centre of Excellence in Advanced Optical and Space Technologies. The project seeks to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy, drive innovation, and position the Canary Islands as an international benchmark in the field of New Space and cutting-edge scientific instrumentation.
Recognition of a career and an institution
For the IAC, this appointment not only recognises the individual achievements of Rafael Rebolo but also highlights the Institute’s role as an international reference centre in astrophysical research.
The Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Spain, founded in 1847, is dedicated to promoting the study, research, and dissemination of scientific knowledge, as well as advising the Government on issues of strategic scientific importance.
Rebolo has expressed his satisfaction at receiving this recognition and has thanked the generosity of his many collaborators, who have shared over the years the effort and enthusiasm to better understand the Universe. He also emphasised the relevance of the Royal Academy as “such a long-standing and respected institution” providing a space for advanced scientific reflection.
Commitment to science and the future
With his appointment as a Full Member, Rafael Rebolo reinforces his commitment to the promotion of science, the provision of expert advice on science policy and the dissemination of knowledge, in line with the objectives of the Academy.
In Rebolo’s own words: “This appointment helps to showcase the scientific excellence developed in the Canary Islands and the role of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias in high-impact international projects, acknowledging its leadership in the exploration of the Universe and in the associated technological development.”
