The AfAS science committee supports astronomical research in general, including facilitating access and use of existing facilities and, in particular, the publishing of articles to promote research in astronomy and astrophysics. The science committee’s role is to implement specific astronomy projects that are in line with the objectives of the AfAS constitution and to increase the number of African professional astronomers and the number of astronomers working in Africa. Working under the science committee, the early career working group is responsible for focusing on topics that are crucial to early career astronomers across the African continent and implementing initiatives that will support them in their research and academic careers.
VISION
An interlinked and world-class African astronomy community contributing to the advancement of human knowledge.
MISSION
To advance astronomy through the development of strategies, facilitation of interdisciplinary collaborations, encouragement of cross-border engagements, and stimulation of human capital development.
OUR SCIENCE PROJECTS AND FLAGSHIPS
Our initiatives focus on fostering the growth of astronomy and related sciences across Africa through a variety of projects and flagship programs:
Seed Research Grants and Prizes: We offer research grants to support astronomy projects by postgraduate students and early-career researchers based in Africa. Additionally, we award MSc and PhD prizes to recognise outstanding work in the field.
Educational Programs: Our efforts include supporting Pan-African and Regional Astronomy Schools. The Executive Committee of AfAS has also adopted an Astronomy Schools Policy Framework to ensure that astronomy school support is sustainable. These schools provide both theoretical and practical training in astronomy, aiming to build a critical mass of astronomers across the continent. We also run specialised programs to complement tertiary studies in astronomy or related fields, keeping students abreast of the latest developments in multiwavelength and multi-messenger astronomy.
Astronomy Resource Platforms: AfAS develops and maintains resource platforms, including a science database portal being rolled out. These resources are vital for research and education in the field of astronomy.
Professional Development Events: We organise meetings, workshops, and colloquia, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional growth.
The African Integrated Observation System (AIOS): AIOS aims to create a PanAfrican Intelligent Telescope and Data Network. This network will integrate existing African facilities like the SAAO, Entoto Observatory, and others across the continent. The network promises scientific opportunities, shared telescope access, exchange programs, outreach, and capacity building.
An African Radio Astronomy Network (ARAN): ARAN focuses on grassroots radio astronomy with small, cost-effective instruments. The project involves installing small dishes across different African countries for research and education, offering training in radio astronomy, and encouraging participation in SKA science.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Network and Hack4Dev Initiative: In our efforts to bolster the African astronomy community, we collaborate with stakeholders in High-Performance Computing networks. This collaboration aims to enhance research capabilities through advanced computational resources. Additionally, AfAS is a proud member and partner of the Hack4Dev initiative. This initiative focuses on employing hackathons as a means of data science outreach and skill development. It combines a strong academic science background with the goal of positively impacting development. The involvement in Hack4Dev reflects our commitment not only to scientific advancement but also to the broader application of these skills for societal development.
Africa-wide Research Group Support Program: This program supports research groups in various African countries, aiming to improve the quantity and quality of presentations by African participants at international forums like the IAUGA 2024 in Cape Town. Supports include access to radio and optical data, computing facilities, and expert knowledge transfer.
Committee Members
James Chibueze – Chair
Eli Kasai – Co-Chair
Zouhair Benkhaldoun
Benedicta Woode
Somaya Saad
Sthabile Kolwa
Mirjana Povic
Jamal Mimouni
David Buckley
Charles McGruder
Shazrene Mohamed
Michael Backes
Miriam Nyamai
Marie Korsaga
Phineas Nkundabakura
Brenda Namumba
Nicolas Erasmus