Master & Ph.D. Prizes for African Students 2022 is inviting credible applicants who are willing to partake in its ongoing 2022 Scholarship programme at the African Astronomical Society (AfAS)
African Astronomical Society (AfAS) was published in the year 2008, Peter Martinez (South Africa) and Pius Okeke (Nigeria) published articles on ways to develop astronomy in Africa, the latter specifically calling for the formation of a Pan-African African Astronomical Society.
Benefits of AfAS Master & Ph.D. Prizes
A total of 8 prizes (4 MSc, 4 Ph.D.) 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 Ph.D. award, respectively.
Requirements for AfAS Master & Ph.D. Prizes Qualification
To qualify for the award, you should fulfill 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/Ph.D. Prize. Theses which are submitted or in preparation but not yet defended are not eligible.
Interview date, Process, and Venue for AfAS Master & Ph.D. Prizes
Applications will be reviewed and ranked by AfAS Ph.D. Prize Committee based on the following criteria:
- The excellence of the overall academic performance and achievements;
- Relevance and originality of the MSc/Ph.D. thesis;
- Publication track record, commensurate with the applicant’s career stage;
- Participation in scientific meetings and research presentations;
- Impact of the research work on the advancement of Astronomy in Africa.
AfAS reserves the right not to award any prize in part or in whole.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) at www.africanastronomicalsociety.org to apply
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY UPLOADING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS TO THE AFAS SUBMISSION FORM AVAILABLE HERE:
- A detailed CV including a 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.
Applicants should also arrange for signed recommendation letters from two academic referees to be sent directly to Dr Charles Takalana by 09 May 2022. At least one letter must be from the thesis advisor who is familiar with the applicant’s research work.
Incomplete applications or files submitted after the deadline, as well as applications that do not meet the conditions of eligibility, will not be taken into consideration.
If you are submitting any supporting documents in your local language, you must upload at least an informal translation into English.
For more details, visit AfAS website.