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The Charlene Heisler Prize is awarded annually by the Astronomical Society
of Australia for the most outstanding PhD thesis in astronomy or a closely related field,
accepted by an Australian university. The thesis research must show outstanding excellence and originality.
The Prize consists of a framed certificate together with an award of $500 and ASA membership
for the following calendar year. The recipient is invited to present a paper on their
PhD research at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Astronomical Society of Australia,
where the prize will be presented.
To be eligible for the Prize, the candidate's PhD thesis must have been
accepted by an Australian university in the calendar year prior to the award.
'Accepted' is understood to mean all requirements for the degree have been completed, including any viva or similar, and
that the candidate has been admitted to the degree by the appropriate
university authority. It is not necessary for the degree to have been
conferred. The research topic can be in any area of astronomy or a closely
related field. There is no restriction on the nationality of candidates.
A request for nominations is usually emailed out to the ASA membership in February each year, with a closing date for
nominations of 31 March (noting that the candidate's degree must have been accepted in the previous calendar year).
Nominations must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Nominations are to be submitted by department heads in consulation
with their academic staff, and should be limited to a maximum of 2 nominations
per department per year.
- A nomination will consist of a copy of the thesis,
preferably in electronic format for ease of distribution, together with a
statement from the principal supervisor outlining the thesis results
and why they are exceptional. The statement should also include details of
the specific contributions of the candidate to the research.
- Other material such as examiners reports and/or referee reports on any associated
publications can also be included with the nomination, where appropriate.
Again electronic form is preferable for ease of distribution.
- The departmental head should certify that the PhD thesis has been accepted by
the candidate's institution during the previous calendar year.
The nomination materials should be sent to:
Dr Tanya Hill
ASA Prizes and Awards Coordinator
Museum Victoria
GPO Box 666
Melbourne Vic 3001
thill -@- museum.vic.gov.au
The assessment committee nominated by the ASA Council will evaluate the submitted materials to
determine the prize recipient. The decision of the assessment committee is final, including any
decision not to award the prize in any given year.
Limited travel funds to support attendance at the ASA science meeting may be made available at the
discretion of the ASA Council. The prize winner will also be encouraged to
submit a synopsis of their thesis research to the
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia. A full paper
on the research would also be welcomed.
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