Carolina Ödman-Govender has been recognised for her pioneering work in astronomy outreach, development and education with the award of an IAU Prize by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) called the Special Executive Committee Award for Astronomy Outreach, Development and Education. The award was presented at the 2018 XXX IAU General Assembly in Vienna, Austria, and although she was not present to accept the award herself, the prize was presented to her husband Kevin Govender, who is the Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development. The prize consists of a €2500 personal award plus €2500 towards an outreach, development or education project of Dr. Ödman’s choice.

This Special Executive Committee Award reflects the IAU’s new strategic action plan, as it intends to continue diversifying its portfolio of prizes to reflect changes in its priorities. The IAU also aims to have regular prizes in outreach, development and education but needs further funding to support these prizes. This award is seen as an integral first step towards this vision.

Dr. Ödman is an Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape and Associate Director, Development & Outreach for the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy in South Africa. She was also the first International Project Manager of Universe Awareness (UNAWE) at Leiden University from 2005 to 2010.

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The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 13 500 professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

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