The IAU Women in Astronomy Working Group is pleased to open the second call for nominations for the IAU STEM Ambassador Recognition Award 2025–2026. This award recognises individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to advancing gender equity and inclusion in astronomy through leadership, policy development, mentorship, outreach, and advocacy.
Each year, one STEM Ambassador Recognition Medalist and at least five STEM Ambassador Advocates are selected (read the announcement of the 2024 - 2025 Award recipients).
Award Categories
Nominations are invited in the following categories:
- Senior permanent faculty members or Directors (F/M/O) who have introduced policies that hire, support, and increase opportunities for women in astronomy.
- Female non-permanent researchers (F) with more than six years post-PhD experience, with a strong record of advocacy for gender balance through sustained awareness, funding, and training initiatives.
- Female researchers from minority backgrounds (F) with more than six years post-PhD experience, demonstrating sustained advocacy for gender balance through regular awareness and training initiatives in the workplace.
- Male researchers in permanent positions (M/O) who have been gender-balance advocates for more than six years, leading or supporting efforts against gender-based harassment in the workplace.
- Outreach members and Engineering/Technical staff (F) with more than six years post-PhD experience, who have a strong record of advocacy through outreach activities and active engagement in gender-balance initiatives, awareness programs, and support for the careers of women researchers.
- STEM Ambassador Recognition Medal: The Medal will be awarded to an outstanding individual from Category 1 (F/M/O) who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion through supportive policies, inclusive hiring, training, advocacy, and efforts to combat gender-based harassment in the workplace—particularly under resource-limited conditions. This distinction aims to highlight leadership that is often carried out in unpaid or underpaid roles, yet has significant global reach and impact.
Nominators may indicate on the nomination form whether their Category 1 nominee should also be considered for the STEM Ambassador Recognition Medal. This distinction recognises long-term leadership, mentorship, and advocacy aligned with the IAU’s vision of a more inclusive global astronomy community.
Eligibility
The IAU welcomes a diverse and inclusive environment. Nominations are open to astronomers of all genders, whose work has tangibly advanced gender balance, inclusive hiring practices, training opportunities, or supportive institutional environments. Self-nominations are welcome.
Selection Process
All nominations will be reviewed by the IAU Women in Astronomy Working Group based on the nominee’s demonstrated impact, leadership, sustainability of contributions, and alignment with the goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion in astronomy. All submissions will be treated with strict confidentiality.
How to Nominate
Nominations must be submitted via the IAU STEM Ambassador Recognition Nomination Form 2025–2026.
The (extended) deadline for submissions is 25 March 2026.