IGB researcher Dr Franz Hölker. | Photo: Manu Theobald
The Dark-Sky Association is a network with more than 193,000 members in over 70 countries. It supports the public, policy-makers and industry in reducing light pollution and promoting responsible outdoor lighting that is attractive, healthy and functional. The Galileo Research Award is presented once a year in recognition of exceptional research achievements.
The award for Franz Hölker was announced during the ‘Under One Sky 2026’ conference. The 24-hour virtual event brings together a growing international community committed to protecting the dark sky and the night-time environment.
Franz Hölker explained why he still finds his research topic exciting and, above all, relevant: “In the course of my research into light pollution, it was both fascinating and alarming to realise just how severely artificial light can disrupt the complex interactions within ecosystems and organisms. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that light pollution can have adverse effects even at very low light levels in the sub-lux range, such as those associated with skyglow. This has made it clear to me just how important it is to protect the natural night sky and our nocturnal landscapes as valuable components of our environment.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to our colleague on this honour!
Read more about the ecological consequences of light pollution >
