2022 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Master & PhD Prizes for African Students

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

Applications will be reviewed and ranked by AfAS PhD Prize Committee based on the following criteria:

• Excellence of the overall academic performance and achievements;
• Relevance and originality of the MSc/PhD thesis;
• Publication track record, commensurate with the applicant’s career stage;
• Participation in scientific meetings and research presentations;
• Impact of the research work in the advancement of Astronomy in Africa.

AfAS reserves the right not to award any prize in part or in whole.

Scholarship Duration and Reward

• 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.

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Required Documents

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following 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.

How To Apply

• Opening of the call: 08 April 2022
• Closing of the call:  09 May 2022
• Applications review by the jury:  during June 2022
• Notification of successful applicants:  by end-July 2022

Click on the apply button below to commence your application.

The Application Deadline is 9th May 2022

2022 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Master & PhD Prizes for African Students

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