Category Archives: Latest News

2025 PhD Prize Awardees

The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is proud to announce the recipients of the AfAS 2025 PhD Prizes, which recognise exceptional doctoral research carried out in astronomy at institutions across Africa. Established by the AfAS Early Career Science Sub-committee (ECSS), these prizes honour originality, academic excellence, and the impact of research on the development of astronomy …

AfAS 2025 MSc Prize Awardees

The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is delighted to announce the recipients of the AfAS 2025 MSc Prizes, established by the Early Career Science Sub-committee (ECSS) to recognise outstanding achievements by Master’s students in astronomy across Africa. These prizes celebrate not only academic excellence, but also the passion and dedication of emerging scientists contributing to the …

2025 AfNWA–ISP Awards for Women in Astronomy in Africa

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, …

The AfNWA-ISP 2024 Prof. Carolina Odman-Govender Early-Career Award for Women in Astronomy in Africa

Dr.  Jamila Chouqar Dr. Jamila Chouqar is an assistant professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco, specializing in exoplanetary science. She earned her PhD in astrophysics from Cadi Ayyad University, focusing on the characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. She later joined the ExoTIC Research Group at Liège University as a postdoctoral fellow, where she contributed …

Call for Africa Astronomy Month: August 2024

Dear Fellow Astronomy Enthusiasts, We are thrilled to announce the celebration of Africa Astronomy Month this coming August 2024! This special month is dedicated to the wonders of the night sky and the incredible contributions Africa is making to the field of astronomy. We invite everyone across the world to join us in organizing and …

AfNWA-ISP 2023 awards recognise outstanding early career and senior women in astronomy in Africa

12 April 2024 The African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is delighted to announce Dr Brenda Namumba as the winner of the “Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender Early Career Award” and Prof. Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane as the winner of the “Senior Award” for Women in Astronomy in Africa. The nomination acknowledges Dr Namumba’s and Prof. Chennaoui …

The #AfricaLookUp Campaign Launches “The Beauty of Astronomy”

Calling all Young African Artists! Under the #AfricaLookUp campaign, the International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 (IAU GA) and the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Outreach and Education committee, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Iziko Museums of South Africa, North West University (NWU) and the …

Call for Seed Grants in Support of Cascade Outreach Activities in your Home Community

Attention all Astronomy Ambassadors for Africa! Are you captivated by the marvels of astronomy and eager to share this fascination with your home community? We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals or small teams to lead astronomy outreach initiatives in their hometowns and become the relatable role models of tomorrow within their communities. The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) …

AfNWA Women in Astronomy in Africa Book

In preparation for the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly (GA) 2024, the first GA to be held in Africa (6-15 August 2024, Cape Town, South Africa), the African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is planning to design an attractive storytelling book on professional female astronomers in Africa. The aim of this book is, …