SETI Pioneer Dr. Jill Tarter Receives Prestigious Fellows Medal

The California Academy of Sciences has awarded its prestigious Fellows Medal to Dr. Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute and Bernard M. Oliver Chair Emerita for SETI. This honor recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. The award is given based on nominations from Academy Fellows and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.

In her acceptance, Tarter expressed her gratitude, stating, “The Cal Academy Fellows Medal is a great honor that I am now fortunate to share with a group of extraordinary previous Medalists.” She highlighted the rewarding collaboration between the SETI Institute and the Academy in promoting public understanding and engagement in science.

Bill Diamond, CEO and President of the SETI Institute, praised Tarter’s influence, saying, “Few people have had such a singular impact on the field of SETI and radio astronomy than Jill Tarter.” He emphasized her role in inspiring a generation of women scientists across various research disciplines.

Pioneering Contributions to SETI and Education

The California Academy of Sciences acknowledged Tarter’s pivotal role in establishing SETI as a legitimate field of research. She co-founded the SETI Institute and was instrumental in the development of the Allen Telescope Array (ATA), the world’s first observatory designed specifically for SETI research. The ATA, located at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in Northern California, remains a cornerstone of SETI efforts today.

Tarter’s contributions extend beyond research. She developed educational initiatives such as the “Voyages Through Time” high school curriculum and inspired the character Ellie Arroway in Carl Sagan’s book and film, *Contact*. Her work with the Academy of Natural Sciences’ planetarium further exemplifies her commitment to public outreach.

Dr. Shannon Bennett, Dean of Science and Research Collections at the Academy, remarked on the importance of collaboration among scientists: “We need each other now more than ever, even as our country moves further away from science-based solutions.” The Academy welcomed twelve new Fellows this year, including Tarter, recognizing their significant contributions to science and education.

Legacy and Continued Impact

Tarter’s leadership in the groundbreaking Project Phoenix marked a significant milestone in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This project involved the most sensitive and comprehensive search for signals from extraterrestrial civilizations, observing approximately 200 stars not visible from northern hemisphere telescopes. Observations were conducted at multiple sites, including the Parkes Observatory in Australia and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.

After obtaining her PhD in Astronomy from UC Berkeley, Tarter led SETI initiatives at both UC Berkeley and NASA before co-founding the SETI Institute in 1984. Her numerous accolades include the Lifetime Achievement Award from Women in Aerospace, two NASA Public Service Medals, and recognition in Time’s lists of the 100 Most Influential People and 25 Most Influential People.

With an asteroid named 74824 Tarter in her honor, Tarter continues to serve on the SETI Institute’s Board of Directors and Science Advisory Board. In 2024, she received the inaugural Tarter Award for Innovation in the Search for Life Beyond Earth, which acknowledges individuals whose work significantly advances humanity’s quest for extraterrestrial life.

Founded in 1984, the SETI Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding the origins and prevalence of life in the universe. It collaborates with various research partners, including NASA and other governmental agencies, to further its mission.

Dr. Tarter’s recognition by the California Academy of Sciences not only honors her scientific achievements but also underscores her role as a trailblazer for future generations in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of life beyond our planet.