Scholarships support early career astronomers

BY CAROLYN MARIE CRICHTON (SKA SWISS CONSORTIUM)

Early career researchers were front and centre at the Cosmology in the Alps Conference, thanks to scholarships funded by its sponsors: the SKA Swiss Consortium (SKACH), the SKAO, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Held in Les Diablerets, Switzerland from 18 – 22 March, the international conference welcomed participants from 16 countries. One of its key goals was to foster interactions between experts and researchers who are newer to the field.

Together the three organisations provided scholarships for 24 early career researchers, representing almost a third of the 77 participants. This included six scholarships to attendees from South Africa and Australia, the SKA telescope host countries.

Alongside stimulating talks on radio cosmology studying the Universe on large scales, the participants also heard from Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier who gave an inspiring welcome address.

Due to the event’s success, the next conference has already been set for 16 – 20 March 2026.

Credit: SKACH