Established by the AfAS Early-Careers Working Group, the inaugural AfAS MSc and PhD Prizes aim to recognize and reward the outstanding accomplishments achieved by academically talented African students who recently defended their Master’s or PhD thesis in the field of Astronomy (including Astrophysics & Space Science). A total of 8 prizes (4 MSc, 4 PhD) to be shared over 4 African regions (North, South, East, and West Africa) will be conferred each year with a cash prize of $400 for an MSc and $800 for a PhD award, respectively.
The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is the primary pan-African professional society representing astronomers from across the continent. AfAS aims to create and support a globally competitive and collaborative astronomy community in Africa and to be the voice of astronomy in the continent while contributing to addressing the challenges faced by Africa through the promotion and advancement of astronomy
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the award, you should fulfil the following conditions:
- Candidates must be a citizen of an African country.
- Candidates must have conducted their research degree in Astronomy (including Astrophysics & Space Science) at an academic or scientific research institute in Africa.
- Candidates must have successfully completed their degree (graduated or at least received a notification from their university) within a year of the call, i.e. between 30 April 2021 and 30 April 2022 for the 2022 MSc/PhD Prize. Theses which are submitted or in preparation but not yet defended are not eligible.
Offered Benefits
A total of 8 prizes (4 MSc, 4 PhD) to be shared over 4 African regions (North, South, East, and West Africa) will be conferred each year with a cash prize of $400 for an MSc and $800 for a PhD award, respectively.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online by uploading the required documents to the AFAS submission form available HERE
Required Documents:
- A detailed CV including list of scientific publications (maximum 3 pages) and contact details of two academic referees;
- A one page summary of the most important publications, if applicable;
- A thesis summary (maximum 2 pages) including (but are not limited to) the research title, the scientific rationale, the most significant findings and conclusions;
- A motivation letter addressed to the AfAS Science Committee explaining why the applicant deserves the prize;
- Copies of official academic records (transcripts);
- A certified copy of the most recent completed degree.
