Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy

The Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy is a partnership of three South African universities, the Universities of Cape Town, of the Western Cape and of Pretoria as well as the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

The overarching goal of IDIA is to build within the South African university research community the capacity and expertise in data intensive research to enable global leadership on MeerKAT large survey science projects and large projects on other SKA pathfinder telescopes.

Image: SARAO

from big data to big ideas

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PROFESSOR CAROLINA ÖDMAN-GOVENDER

Associate Director Development and Outreach – IDIA

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Carolina Ödman-Govender on 15 November 2022.

Carolina was the Associate Director of IDIA for Development and Outreach and a dear friend to all at IDIA. As Associate Director she created and lead numerous initiatives in public engagement in science, outreach to communities of young scholars and researchers, societal development from astronomy and big data, and mentoring of students and colleagues. Her outstanding contributions were recognised both nationally by the award of the 2020/2021 National Science and Technology Forum Award for Science and Communications, and internationally by the 2020 International Science Council award for “Science for Development”. Carolina’s talent, passion for her work, tremendous energy and enthusiasm for life left an indelible legacy at IDIA.

Carolina had been fighting cancer for several years. Despite her illness she remained a constant source of inspiration and encouragement to her colleagues at IDIA and all who knew her. Carolina was an extraordinary colleague and friend. She leaves a big hole at IDIA and in our hearts. She will be deeply missed and remembered with great affection.

Our hearts and condolences go out to her husband Kevin Govender, and her children Xavier and Cyprian.