# Martin Rees

> British cosmologist and astrophysicist (1942-)

**Wikidata**: [Q335213](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q335213)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Rees)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/martin-rees

## Summary
Martin Rees is a British cosmologist and astrophysicist (1942–) known for his influential work in astrophysics, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He has held leadership roles at institutions like Trinity College, Cambridge, and has been a prominent figure in scientific research and public engagement with astronomy.

## Biography
- Born: 1942
- Nationality: British
- Education: Attended Trinity College, Cambridge
- Known for: Pioneering work in cosmology and astrophysics, including contributions to the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life
- Employer(s): Trinity College, Cambridge; Breakthrough Listen initiative
- Field(s): Cosmology, astrophysics, extraterrestrial life

## Contributions
- Led the Breakthrough Listen initiative, a project dedicated to searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life.
- Named the asteroid 4587 Rees in recognition of his contributions to astronomy.
- Served as a professor and researcher at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he has made significant advancements in astrophysics.

## FAQs
- **What is Martin Rees known for?** Martin Rees is known for his work in cosmology and astrophysics, including his leadership in the Breakthrough Listen project and his research on the origins and future of the universe.
- **Where has Martin Rees worked?** Martin Rees has worked at Trinity College, Cambridge, and has been involved with the Breakthrough Listen initiative.
- **What awards has Martin Rees received?** The source material does not specify awards, but he has held prestigious academic positions and been recognized for his contributions to science.
- **What is the significance of asteroid 4587 Rees?** Asteroid 4587 Rees was named in honor of Martin Rees's work in astronomy, reflecting his impact on the field.

## Why They Matter
Martin Rees's work has shaped modern cosmology and astrophysics, influencing theories about the universe's origins and future. His leadership in projects like Breakthrough Listen has expanded humanity's efforts to detect extraterrestrial life. His research and public engagement have inspired future generations of scientists and astronomers.

## Notable For
- Named the asteroid 4587 Rees in recognition of his contributions to astronomy.
- Led the Breakthrough Listen initiative, a major project in the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life.
- Professor at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he has conducted groundbreaking research in astrophysics.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Martin Rees was born in 1942 and attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he pursued his studies in astrophysics and cosmology. His early work laid the foundation for his later contributions to the field.

### Career and Research
Rees has been a professor and researcher at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he has made significant advancements in astrophysics. His research has focused on the origins and future of the universe, including the study of black holes, dark matter, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

### Leadership and Projects
Rees has led the Breakthrough Listen initiative, a project dedicated to searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life. This initiative has expanded humanity's efforts to detect signs of life beyond Earth, making Rees a key figure in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

### Recognition and Legacy
Asteroid 4587 Rees was named in honor of Rees's contributions to astronomy, reflecting his impact on the field. His work has influenced modern cosmology and astrophysics, inspiring future generations of scientists.

### Influence and Impact
Rees's research and public engagement have shaped the study of the universe, influencing theories about its origins and future. His leadership in projects like Breakthrough Listen has expanded humanity's efforts to detect extraterrestrial life, making him a prominent figure in scientific research.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Davos 2014 Participant List
3. BnF authorities
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Hansard 1803–2005
7. [Cosmology Laureates | Gruber Foundation](https://gruber.yale.edu/cosmology-laureates)
8. [Earlier Lectures](http://www.okc.albanova.se/research/memorial-lecture/earlier-lectures)
9. [Recipients of the Karl Schwarzschild Medal](https://astronomische-gesellschaft.de/en/activities/awards/schwarzschild)
10. [Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics. American Astronomical Society](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/dannie-heineman-prize-astrophysics)
11. [Martin John Rees. Sonoma State University. 1942](https://phys-astro.sonoma.edu/brucemedalists/martin-rees)
12. [Michael Faraday Prize](https://royalsociety.org/medals-and-prizes/michael-faraday-prize/)
13. [Lilienfeld](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/lilienfeld.cfm)
14. [The Dirac Medal | ICTP](https://www.ictp.it/prize/dirac-medal)
15. [The Crafoord Prize 2005 -. 2005](https://www.crafoordprize.se/news/the-crafoord-prize-2005/)
16. [Martin J. Rees. Franklin Institute. 2014](https://www.fi.edu/laureates/martin-j-rees)
17. [Michael Faraday Medal and Prize recipients. Institute of Physics](https://www.iop.org/about/awards/gold-medals/michael-faraday-medal-and-prize-recipients)
18. [History of honorary degrees](https://www.harvard.edu/on-campus/commencement/honorary-degrees)
19. 2008 Yale Honorary Degrees
20. [Martin Rees](https://www.learnedsociety.wales/fellow/martin-rees/)
21. [Ehrenrätinnen und Ehrenräte, Ehrendoktorinnen und Ehrendoktoren](https://ethz.ch/de/die-eth-zuerich/portraet/auszeichnungen/ehrenraete-und-ehrendoktoren.html)
22. [2025 Citation Laureates | Nobel-Class Researchers | Clarivate. 2025](https://clarivate.com/citation-laureates)
23. [Fritz Zwicky Prize](https://eas.unige.ch/zwicky_prize.jsp)
24. [Martin Rees. 2024](https://wolffund.org.il/martin-rees/)
25. [Copley Medal. Royal Society. 2025](https://royalsociety.org/medals-and-prizes/copley-medal/)
26. [Source](https://www5.open.ac.uk/students/ceremonies/sites/www.open.ac.uk.students.ceremonies/files/files/Honorary%20graduate%20cumulative%20list(7).xlsx)
27. International Standard Name Identifier
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31. NNDB
32. [Source](https://www.issr.org.uk/fellows/user/49/)
33. www.ae-info.org
34. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
35. Munzinger Personen
36. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
37. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
38. Davos 2004 List of Participants
39. CONOR.SI
40. Autoritats UB
41. BBC Things
42. LIBRIS. 2003
43. FactGrid
44. Catalogo of the National Library of India