BMAAS 2023 is a two-week residential astronomy school for around
30 graduate and advanced undergraduate students who are starting on astronomy research in Africa.
The objective is to teach students specific aspects of astronomy, astrophysics,
and space science, with a focus on topical research, future opportunities, and
practical
skills.
The School will take place at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in Palapye, Botswana, 270 km north east of the capital Gaborone.
Accommodation and meals will be provided on campus at BIUST.
The costs for these are covered by the conference for all
participants.
Arrival is on Sunday 25 June, departure Saturday 8 July.
COVID-19: We are hoping that the pandemic won't present problems by
mid 2023, but we will of course adapt to any testing or mask-wearing requirements.
International participants will probably want to fly to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone. Check with the official websites of Botswana and/or the country you are travelling from for the required entry documents (passport, visa, vaccination requirements, invitation letter, etc.). Travel costs will be partially or fully covered for those students who obtain a grant from the conference. These participants will be contacted in due course about travel arrangements. All others student participants must book and pay for travel themselves. Private bus transport will be arranged from GBE to BIUST on 25th June, and back on 8 July. Details will be made available nearer the time.
Attendance at the School is via successful application. The School is targeted primarily at Masters and starting PhD students, but promising advanced (Honours) Bachelor students are also welcome to attend. To be eligible, students must be registered at an African university for a course in astronomy, (astro)physics or closely related field.
To apply, the following documents are required (in English, as this is the language of the School), as PDF files:
Application instructions
You must submit your complete application through the
online
application system (link).
You first register with the system, then upload the required
documents.
Please only provide PDF files: files in other formats
will not be read.
You can log out and complete the upload of documents
later, but make sure you submit the application by the deadline
(listed above) by clicking the "submit" button. Once successfully
submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email.
The system will ask you to provide the name and email address of
your recommendation letter writer, who will then be contacted by the
system.
Make sure you ask them in advance whether they are willing to
support your application.
You will receive an email notification from the system once they have
uploaded their letter.
The letter will be treated confidentially (the applicant is not able to see it in
the system).
Note that the application system refers to your "job" or "vacancy"
application, but be assured that this is an application for
the School!
The Scientific Organizing Committee will use the above information to decide who can attend the school and who will be awarded travel support. The selection criteria include: academic standing and background of the student; value of the School to the student; achieving diversity (esp. in gender and geographical origin) at the School.
By applying for the School, students commit to attend it for the full duration (two weeks).
All participants are expected to follow the following code of conduct.
For enquiries, email bmaas2023@mpia.de
Scientific Organizing Committee
Local Organizing Committee
The School is funded by the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft,
the Botswana
International University of Science and Technology,
the African Astronomical Society, and SKA Africa.