The African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is inviting nominations for the 2024 Women in Astronomy in Africa awards. AfNWA is a sub-committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and is collaborating with the International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala University, Sweden. The awards aim to recognize and support the scientific achievements and contributions of women in Astronomy in Africa.
Categories
For 2024 the award is offered for the category of The Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender early career astronomer award (PhD holders in astronomy within 5 years of PhD).
The award will include a certificate to be given during the next general meeting of the African Astronomical Society that will take place from 23-28 March 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Gauteng, and €1500. The awardee will have the opportunity to make a presentation during the AfAS annual meeting in South Africa (in-person or online).
Eligibility
To qualify for the award, nominees should:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be working in the field of astronomy on the African continent.
- Submit a nomination using this link before 5 January 2024. Self-nominations are welcome.
- The Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender early career astronomer award is open to PhD holders in astronomy within 5 years after their PhD.
Process
- Review panel confirmed and constituted.
- Criteria for awards are decided by the AfNWA Board and the review panel and displayed on the AfNWA website.
- Nominations collected through an online form.
- AfNWA Board follows up to check eligibility of nominations, collate nominations and follow up for any necessary supporting documentation.
- The review panel receives the nominations, along with a scoring sheet based on the eligibility and award criteria.
- All reviewers score independently and return their scoring sheets to AfNWA Board for collating.
- Reviewers hold a virtual meeting to make final decision.
- AfNWA Board approves outcomes.
- Outcomes are publicized – emailed to individuals and shared on afnwa.org and AfAS websites.
- Awards are officially presented during the 2025 AfAS annual conference in South Africa.
Timeline
| 15 Dec. 2024 | Call for nominations opens |
| 05 Jan. 2024 | Call for nominations closes |
| 10 Jan. 2025 | Shortlist agreed |
| 30 Jan. 2025 | Review panel meets to decide on the award (approximately) |
| 15 Feb. 2025 | Awards announced (approximately) |
| 23-28 March 2025 | Prize winner who receives an opportunity to present at the AfAS conference |
Evaluation Criteria
- Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender early career astronomer award
1) Scientific Achievements
- Publication, quality and quantity given the level of the career, and participation in research projects.
- Membership of scientific societies and/or awards, grants or other recognitions received.
- Any experience with project coordination given the level of the career.
- Participation in scientific meetings, given talks, etc.
2) Contributions to Society
- Participation in outreach and education activities.
- Commitment to improving the field (e.g., advocacy for women and girls in science, or more equal practices in peer review, climate change, etc.).
- Public engagement (e.g., speaking, social media, etc.).
Review panel
- Prof. Stephan C. Buchert
- Prof. Catherine Cesarsky
- Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck
- Prof. Debra Elmegreen
- Prof. Ernst van Groningen
- Dr. Edward Jurua
- Prof. Samaya Nissanke
- Prof. Mirjana Povic