Dr. Premana W. Premadi Wins Award from the Royal Astronomical Society

By Adi Permana

Editor Adi Permana

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id--Bosscha Observatory Director Dr. Premana W. Premadi won a prestigious award from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) 2023 for an Honorary Fellowship.

The award given was the title "Honorary Fellowship", symbolizing her leadership and contributions to astronomy.

According to RAS, Dr. Premana helped in compiling the astronomy curriculum for ITB's astronomy study program. She also led the Indonesian Astronomy Association from 2001 to 2010.

The award was announced during the Ordinary Meeting of the Society on Friday, 13 January 2023. RAS has granted many awards to world-renowned astronomers and geophysicists, with people like Albert Einstein, Edwin Hubble, Arthur Eddington, and Stephen Hawking receiving gold medals.

Dr. Premana's latest work in astronomy involves the merging of astronomy with STEM training, focusing on clean, renewable energy sources and water management systems in the remote areas of Timor. To assist her research, the government agreed to fund and construct a new observatory in Kupang.

Dr. Premadi has been an active figure in Indonesia's development of astronomy, running the Indonesian Universe Awareness for Children (UNAWE) project. She is also involved in the international UNAWE project that aims to teach fundamental astronomy to children aged 4-10 years. She works extensively with colleagues in the UK on projects supported by the UK Newton Fund.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)