Maltese astrophysicist and Wirt Għawdex president Prof. Joseph Caruana has been awarded the 2025 Dark Sky Defender Award for Europe by DarkSky International, recognising his tireless efforts to combat light pollution across the Maltese Islands.

The international non-profit, based in Arizona, honours individuals who make outstanding contributions to protecting the night sky. Prof. Joseph Caruana was praised for combining scientific research, public advocacy, and outreach to emphasise the cultural, ecological, and scientific importance of preserving natural darkness. The award was presented at the annual Under One Sky conference.

Since 2017, the Maltese astrophysicist has led light pollution research at the University of Malta’s Department of Physics and the Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy. His 2020 study provided the first detailed photometric map of the Maltese night sky, revealing that the Milky Way is visible from less than 13% of the islands. The research also identified major light pollution sources, marking a milestone in local environmental science.

Beyond academia, Prof. Joseph Caruana has been a leading advocate for the protection of Dwejra, Gozo’s last dark-sky site, and has launched educational websites to raise awareness about light pollution. A frequent speaker and media contributor, he continues to urge authorities to adopt scientifically informed lighting policies that reduce energy waste, safeguard biodiversity, and protect public health.

As president of Wirt Għawdex since 2021, Prof. Joseph Caruana also champions the conservation of Gozo’s natural and cultural heritage.

Well done!