UC Researcher Becomes First Non-UK Recipient Of Major Astronomy Medal

Key points

• Professor Clemency Montelle from the University of Canterbury has become the first New Zealander to win a medal from the Royal Astronomical Society recognising research excellence.
• It’s the first time the 2026 Agnes Mary Clerke Medal for Historical Research in Astronomy or Geophysics has gone to someone from outside the United Kingdom.

A University of Canterbury maths professor has become the first person from outside the United Kingdom to receive a prestigious astronomy medal. 

The Agnes Mary Clerke Medal for Historical Research in Astronomy or Geophysics, presented by the UK’s Royal Astronomical Society every three years, has been awarded to Professor Clemency Montelle, Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).

Professor Montelle received the 2026 medal in recognition of her outstanding research in the history of astronomy, particularly her ground-breaking scholarship on Indian mathematical astronomy and other major pre-modern astronomical traditions, and the connections between them. Drawing on expertise in mathematical techniques, ancient languages and cultural contexts, her work has addressed long-standing historiographical biases and introduced new methodological approaches to the use and interpretation of complex historical sources, including Sanskrit astronomical tables.

She is also recognised for her research leadership and her generous support of the global community of historians of astronomy.

Professor Montelle earned her PhD from Brown University in the United States and reads Ancient Greek, Latin, Sanskrit and Classical Arabic, alongside having an extensive background in mathematics. Her research involves locating rare manuscripts in libraries and archives around the world and translating their technical content, revealing previously unrecognised mathematical achievements from centuries ago.

Her work also extends into digital humanities, including the development of software to analyse historical numerical data and the creation of specialised typesetting platforms that enable the digital display of ancient scripts, mathematical notation and scholarly editions.

Professor Montelle says the Royal Astronomical Society award is a significant recognition.

“I am delighted and honoured to receive the Agnes Mary Clerke Medal,” Professor Montelle says.

“It is especially meaningful to be recognised for work that explores the deep historical roots of astronomical knowledge across cultures, and for the collaborative work, mentorship and community-building that sustain the field and make this scholarship possible.”

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