Women in Astronomy Awards

The African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA), a sub-committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), in collaboration with the  International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala University, Sweden organises the Women in Astronomy in Africa awards. The aim of the awards is to recognise and support the scientific achievements, and contributions to society, of women in Astronomy in Africa.

The awards are offered in the following categories:

  1. Early career astronomer award,
  2. Senior level astronomer award (every second year).

Eligibility

To qualify for the award nominees should: 

  • Identify as a woman
  • Be working or studying in the field of astronomy on the African continent.
  • Submit a nomination before 13 November 2022. Self-nominations are welcome.
  • An early career award is open to MSc and PhD students, and post-doc researchers within 5 years after their PhD. 
  • Senior level awards are open to those who already have a PhD and more than 5 years of research experience – there will be no senior award in 2022.

2022 call for Nominations

The African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA), a sub-committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), in collaboration with the  International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala University, Sweden is delighted to invite nominations for the 2022 Women in Astronomy in Africa awards. The aim of the award is to recognise and support the scientific achievements, and contributions to society, of women in Astronomy in Africa. 

The award will include an award certificate to be presented during the next general meeting of the African Astronomical Society (March 2023), and €1500. Depending on the general AfAS meeting organisation, awardees may have an opportunity to present their achievements in a talk.

Process

  1. Review panel confirmed and constituted
  2. Criteria for awards are decided by the AfNWA board, approved by the review panel and displayed on the AfNWA website.
  3. Nominations collected through an online form.
  4. AfNWA board follows up to check eligibility of nominations, collate nominations and follow up for any necessary supporting documentation.
  5. The review panel is sent the nominations, along with a scoring sheet based on the eligibility and award criteria.
  6. Reviewers score independently and return their scoring sheets to AfNWA board for collating.
  7. Reviewers hold a virtual meeting to make final decision early career award.
  8. AfNWA board approves outcomes.
  9. Outcomes are publicised  – emailed to individuals and shared on afnwa.org and AfAS websites.
  10. Awards are officially presented during the AfAS general meeting in March 2023.

Timeline

17 October 2022Call for nominations opens
13 November 2022Call for nominations closes
26 November 2022Nominations sent to reviewers, shortlist agreed
Mid January 2023Review panel meets to decide on award
13 February 2023Awards announced 
March 2023Prize winners given an opportunity to present at AfAS conference
Nominate

Award Criteria

Early career award

Scientific Achievement

  • 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 recognition received.
  • Any experience with project coordination given the level of the career.
  • Participation in scientific meetings, given talks, etc.
  • For MSc students, excellence in grades as judged from an academic transcript.

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.).

Senior award – no award in 2022

Scientific Achievement

  • Publication, quality and quantity given the level of the career.
  • Participation, coordination and leadership of scientific projects 
  • Leadership in scientific societies, other recognitions.
  • Leadership and vision in institutional development
  • Patents (if applicable)
  • Students mentored and graduated.
  • Committee and society membership/service to professional community.
  • Participation in scientific meetings, given talks, organised conferences/meetings/training.
  • Teaching and lecturing.

Contributions to society

  • Outreach and education initiatives.
  • Advocacy and empowerment (e.g. advocacy for women 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