Nomination guidelines and submission
Nomination guidelines for the Arthur B.C. Walker II Award
Purpose
The Arthur B.C. Walker II Award is presented to an outstanding African American (or member of the African Diaspora) who works in the areas of astronomy (including astronomy, astrophysics, space, and related sciences) as a recognized leader in efforts to diversify the scientific community. The ASP’s Arthur B.C. Walker II Award has been established to honor an outstanding scientist whose research and/or educational efforts substantially contribute to those fields and who has (1) demonstrated a substantial commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented groups pursuing degrees in astronomy and/or (2) been instrumental in creating or supporting innovative and successful STEM programs designed to support underrepresented students or their teachers.
Eligibility
Nominees can include a broad range of individuals of African descent from the United States or any country who are astronomers or space scientists whose research and educational efforts are of note in their field and who have demonstrated a commitment to increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM areas (especially astronomy and space science).
Nominations
Nominations are solicited from anyone familiar with or knowledgeable of the nominee’s or nominees’ achievements. Nominations may be made by anyone except the nominee or someone from the nominee’s family.
Submissions must include:
- Resume or CV of the nominee
- Nominator letter of no more than two pages explaining in detail the specific contributions and achievements of the nominee that merit the Award.
- Two independent letters of support (also no more than two pages each) for each nomination.
Due Date
For a new nomination to be considered in any particular year, all nomination documents must be received by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific by March 15* of that year. Exceptions will be noted that year.
*Beginning in 2023, the new submission deadline for all ASP Awards is March 15.
Selection
All nominations are reviewed by the Awards Committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. The Awards Committee recommends a recipient of the Award to the Board of Directors, which then makes the final selection. The Award recipient will be notified in the summer of the award year. If, in the opinion of the Awards Committee, none of the nominees is sufficiently outstanding, or if there are an insufficient number of nominations, the Award will not be given for the year in question.
The Award
The Award includes a $500 cash award, an award plaque, and travel expenses to attend the ASP Awards Gala.
Contact the Awards team if you have any questions or need more information.
