The IAU is inviting applications for its 2024 PhD Prize, an award that celebrates the outstanding accomplishments made globally by PhD researchers in astrophysics. The deadline for applications is 15 December 2024. 

First introduced in 2016, a prize is awarded annually by each of the nine IAU Divisions in recognition of the most remarkable PhD work defended by examination during the year. One additional prize (PhD Prize at Large) may be awarded to applicants who have conducted the majority of their PhD research under adverse conditions. The IAU PhD Prize is open to candidates from any country, regardless of whether the country is an IAU National Member. 

Eligible PhD theses for the 2024 Prize are those that have been defended between 16 December 2023 and 15 December 2024. Theses that are in preparation or submitted but not yet defended by 15 December 2024 are not eligible for the 2024 Prize. 

PhD prize winners will receive a certificate and will be invited to present their work (remotely or in-person) during the Division Days to be held at the 2027 IAU General Assembly (GA) in Rome. The IAU will cover the GA registration fees for winners.  Additionally, the winners will have the opportunity to record a presentation describing their thesis work, for upload on the IAU website and YouTube channel. An IAU press release will announce the winners.

The application form is available here. Candidates are required to submit: 

• An abstract of their thesis that is pitched at a level suitable for the public; 
• A 1500-word thesis summary; 
• The names of three letter writers, one of whom must be the primary PhD Advisor; 
• Documentation proving award of the PhD;
• A full list of publications;
• A one-page Curriculum Vitae. 

Applicants interested in being considered for the PhD prize-at-large are also required to submit a justification of up to 250 words to allow the assessment panel to determine their eligibility. (Please indicate whether this justification must remain confidential to the assessment panel.) 

The winner from each Division will be decided according to the Division’s own standards and methods, as guided by the Division Steering Committee and possibly with corroborating external consultation or additional letters of recommendation.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, 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.

Links

• Application Form

Contacts

Diana Worrall
IAU General Secretary
Email: iau-general.secretary@iap.fr

Laura Ferrarese
IAU Assistant General Secretary
Email: iau-assistant.general.secretary@iap.fr

Lina Canas
IAU Membership Coordinator
Email: lina.canas@iau.org / iaupressoffice@iau.org