Carlos Lousto receives prestigious Argentine recognition for his remarkable achievements in scientific research and technological advancement

Rochester, New York – Carlos Lousto, a Distinguished Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), has been named a recipient of the 2024 RAICES Award, a distinguished recognition from the Secretariat of Innovation, Science, and Technology (SICyT) of the Argentine government. This award shines a spotlight on Argentine scientists living abroad who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of science and technology, while also strengthening ties between Argentina and the international research community.

For Lousto, this award is more than just a career milestone. It’s a reminder of the deep connections that link his cutting-edge work to his home country. “Thank you to RIT for all the support to perform top research during my already 18 years working here!,” Lousto said, reflecting on nearly two decades of academic achievement and collaboration in the United States. “This award encourages me further to keep working hard.”

The RAICES Award, formally known as Redes de Argentinos Investigadores, Científicos y Tecnólogos en el Exterior, is granted to individuals who have not only achieved international recognition in their fields but who also continue to uplift and support Argentina’s scientific community from abroad. In early July, Lousto was officially recognized for this honor during a special ceremony held at the Consulate General of Argentina in New York. He was recognized alongside another distinguished scholar, Viviana Zelizer of Princeton University.

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Lousto’s contributions to the world of science are well-known and far-reaching. At RIT, he serves as co-director of the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation, where his groundbreaking research has focused on the mysteries of gravitational waves, black holes, and pulsars. His career has been marked by a steady stream of accolades, beginning with his membership in the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 1993. In 2012, he was named a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), and in 2019, he received the Bouchet Prize in recognition of his exceptional contributions to physics.

Perhaps one of the most defining moments of Lousto’s career came in 2016, when his work helped lead to the first detection of gravitational waves from the merger of two black holes — a discovery that earned him the Breakthrough Special Prize in fundamental physics. His contributions were so significant that he was nominated for recognition by the U.S. Congress in both 2006 and 2016.

Throughout his prolific career, Lousto has remained deeply engaged in the practical side of computational science. He designed the Funes, Newhorizons, and BlueSky supercomputer clusters, which continue to be instrumental in simulating binary black hole mergers — complex phenomena that help scientists unravel the fabric of space and time itself. With roughly 300 scientific articles to his name, published in prestigious international journals, Lousto’s impact extends across the global scientific community.

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Yet, his connection to Argentina remains as strong as ever. The selection process for the RAICES Award is rigorous, with winners chosen by a panel of experts from SICyT, CONICET, and esteemed academics from various disciplines. This makes the recognition all the more meaningful for Lousto, whose work continues to inspire scientists both in Argentina and around the world.

“This recognition is a significant testament not only to Dr. Lousto’s outstanding career and continued global influence, but also to the remarkable depth of faculty talent we have at RIT,” said Andre Hudson, Dean of RIT’s College of Science. “It underscores the vital role that international scholarship and collaboration play in advancing the frontiers of science and education.”

Lousto’s academic journey began with a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of La Plata and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Buenos Aires. Today, his work not only bridges continents but also pushes humanity’s understanding of the cosmos to new and exciting frontiers.