Women in Astronomy Awards 2021
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:
- Early career astronomer award,
- Senior level astronomer award.
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 at this link before 30 November 2021. 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.
2021 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 2021 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.
Both awards will include an award certificate to be presented during the next general meeting of the African Astronomical Society (March 2022), and €1500 per award. Depending on the general AfAS meeting organisation, awardees may have an opportunity to present their achievements in a talk.
Process
- 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.
- A review panel for the award is constituted.
- Criteria for the awards are decided by the AfNWA board, displayed on the AfNWA website and communicated to the review panel.
- The review panel is sent the nominations, along with a scoring sheet based on the eligibility and award criteria.
- Reviewers score independently and return their scoring sheets to AfNWA board for collating.
- Reviewers hold a virtual meeting to make final decision on both senior and early career awards.
- AfNWA board approves outcomes.
- Outcomes are publicised – emailed to individuals and shared on afnwa.org and AfAS websites.
- Awards are officially presented during the AfAS general meeting in March 2022
Timeline
| 2 November 2021 | Call for nominations opens |
| 30 November 2021 | Call for nominations closes |
| 15 December 2021 | Shortlist agreed |
| Early February 2022 | Review panel meets to decide on award |
| Late February 2022 | Awards announced |
| March 2022 | Prize winners given an opportunity to present at AfAS conference |
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.
- If very early career, excellence in grades (e.g. cum laude, distinction).
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
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
- Mr. Kevin Govender
- Prof. Ernst van Groningen
- Dr. Edward Jurua
- Dr. Jamal Mimouni
- Prof. Samaya Nissanke
- Prof. Mirjana Povic