NARIT News
Dr. Koichiro Sugiyama Honored
with Yoshihide Kozai Memorial Award on Achievement in Astronomy 2025
22 May 2026 - Dr. Koichiro Sugiyama, Manager of the Centre of Radio Observatories Operations and Engineering at the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), received the Yoshihide Kozai Memorial Award on Achievement in Astronomy 2025 in the category “Contributions to the international advancement of astronomy, with a particular focus on Asian astronomy.” The award, presented by the Astronomy Promotion Foundation of Japan, recognizes outstanding achievements and dedication to the field of astronomy. The ceremony was held at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) in Tokyo, Japan.
Left: Prof. Dr. Shoken Miyama, Representative Director and President of the Astronomy Promotion Foundation of Japan, the 4th Director General of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), and President of Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University
Right: Dr. Koichiro Sugiyama, Manager of the Center for Radio Astronomy and Engineering, National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization)
Photo: Astronomy Promotion Foundation of Japan
The Yoshihide Kozai Memorial Award on Achievement in Astronomy is presented to young researchers under the age of 45 who have made outstanding contributions to astronomy through research, science communication, international collaboration, and leadership in astronomical organizations. Established in 2020, the award honors the legacy of Yoshihide Kozai, the first Director of NAOJ and the first Japanese President of the International Astronomical Union.
The award is presented in five categories. Dr. Sugiyama received the award in Category 4, “Contributions to the international advancement of astronomy, with a particular focus on Asian astronomy,” in recognition of his leadership in advancing international scientific collaboration, developing radio astronomy and geodetic technologies and infrastructure, and strengthening astronomical research networks in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.
As part of the event, Dr. Sugiyama was invited to deliver a special lecture on his research activities and international collaborations. During the presentation, he highlighted the development and operations of NARIT’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Thailand’s participation in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) networks. He also shared NARIT’s vision for the future development of radio astronomy, geodesy, and related technologies, which will further strengthen VLBI capabilities in East Asia and the broader international community.
Dr. Sugiyama expressed his sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. Kenta Fujisawa, former Director of the Research Institute for Time Studies at Yamaguchi University, and Prof. Dr. Mareki Honma, Director of the Mizusawa VLBI Observatory at NAOJ, for nominating him for the award. He also thanked the award selection committee and the Astronomy Promotion Foundation of Japan for this distinguished honor.
Dr. Sugiyama currently serves as Manager of the Centre of Radio Observatories Operations and Engineering and is a radio astronomer specializing in massive star formation. He has played a major role in developing Thailand’s radio astronomy and geodetic networks, including the construction of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The facility includes the 40-m National Radio Telescope, the largest radio telescope in Southeast Asia, as well as the 13-m VGOS radio telescopes. He has also contributed to Thailand’s participation in the East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN), strengthening the country’s ability to conduct joint observations with international radio telescope networks.
Photo: Astronomy Promotion Foundation of Japan