The African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is delighted to announce Dr Mona Molham as the winner of the “Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender Early Career Award” and Dr Zara Randriamanakoto as the winner of the “Mid-career Award” for Women in Astronomy in Africa. The nomination acknowledges Dr Molham’s and Dr Randriamanakoto’s outstanding contributions to science, their efforts in promoting the participation of women in science and their dedication to mentoring the next generation of African astronomers, particularly women. The winners are awarded €1,500 each by the African Network of Women in Astronomy, a committee of the African Astronomical Society, and by the International Science Programme (ISP) of Uppsala University in Sweden.
AfNWA-ISP Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender Early Career Astronomer Award for Women in Astronomy in Africa.
Dr. Mona Molham, Egypt
Dr. Molham is a researcher in the Astronomy Department at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Egypt where she conducts multiwavelength studies of galaxy clusters and active galactic nuclei (AGN), particularly blazars, combining data from X-ray, optical, infrared, and gamma-ray observations to probe the physics of high-energy astrophysical phenomena. She is currently an active member of the GRANDMA (Global Rapid Advanced Network Devoted to the Multi-messenger Addicts) collaboration, coordinating follow-up observations across 25 telescopes worldwide for multi-messenger events, including gravitational waves, gamma-ray bursts, and neutrino alerts. Her contributions have been central to ensuring efficient and timely responses to these high-impact astronomical events. Dr. Molham has received several prestigious research grants including the Women in Africa initiative at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in Tenerife, Spain, that have supported her research growth. Beyond research, she is deeply committed to outreach, science communication, and capacity building by organizing outreach activities to promote astronomy education within the local communities. She also contributes to the annual ArAS School for Astrophysics as a member of both the Local and Scientific Organizing Committees, coordinating sessions, mentoring students, and developing program content to support capacity building and collaboration in the Arab world.
AfNWA-ISP Mid-career Astronomer Award for Women in Astronomy in Africa.
Dr Zara Randriamanakoto, Madagascar
Dr Randriamanakoto is a research astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory and a visiting lecturer in her home country at the University of Antananarivo Madagascar. She earned her PhD degree in Astronomy in 2015 from the University of Cape Town. Zara’s research uses multi-wavelength observations to probe the chaotic birth and destruction of massive star clusters. She also uses wide-field radio continuum surveys to study the duty cycle and bent structures in radio AGN. Zara is actively involved in the advancement of Astronomy on the African continent. She is the founding president of the Malagasy Astronomical Society and served as an executive committee member of the African Astronomical Society. She is also a strong advocate for women’s inclusion in STEM. She is the co-founder of Ikala STEM which is an active community of Malagasy women scientists spread across four continents with a mission to empower the next generation of Malagasy women in STEM. Dr Randriamanakoto has received prestigious research grants and recognitions in her career journey. Recent accolades include her selection as one of Top 50 Forbes Africa Women Powerlist 2025 and a 2023 National Geographic Explorer by the National Geographic Society. With no prior astronomy background, her outstanding achievement is a true testimony that anyone can excel in their career when given enough support and opportunities to push their boundaries.