[AstroNet] FW: [saastronomers] Kevin Govender: first South African to win the prestigious Edinburgh Medal

[Claire Flanagan]

Kevin - we're tremendously proud of you!!

-----Original Message-----
From: saastronomers-request at list.saao.ac.za [mailto:saastronomers-request at list.saao.ac.za] On Behalf Of Patricia Whitelock
Sent: 06 February 2016 05:24 PM
To: saastronomers at saao.ac.za
Cc: Kevin Govender
Subject: [saastronomers] Kevin Govender: first South African to win the prestigious Edinburgh Medal


I am delighted to be able to report that Kevin Govender and the IAU are to be presented with the 2016 Edinburgh Medal.

This medal is awarded jointly for the creation and practical establishment of the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), which integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with social development for and with those most in need. Under the pioneering stewardship of Kevin Govender, the Office of Astronomy for Development, hosted in South Africa in partnership with the National Research Foundation and the South African government, has successfully harnessed astronomy in the service of education and capacity building in the developing world.

More details:
http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/news-article/--2016-edinburgh-medal-celebrates-astronomy

We are very proud to see this tremendous honour go to Kevin for his work with the OAD, recognizing his earlier leadership of the SALT Collateral Benefits Plan. With his usual modesty Kevin acknowledges everyone else's contribution, but there can be little doubt that the success of the OAD has been largely his doing and no question that this recognition is well deserved.

Please send your congratulations to him, not to me.

Patricia