The Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy is a partnership of three South African universities, the University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape and University of Pretoria.
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.
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The International Astronomical Union (IAU) last week awarded Associate Director of the Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA), Associate Professor Carolina Ödman, a special prize for her pioneering work in… South Africa has won the bid to host the 2024 General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). It will be the first time this assembly is held on African… On July 23 2018, we invited members of the media and of the astronomy community to an event at the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome to celebrate the IDIA Research Cloud. The… The Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for IDIA postdoctoral fellowships. IDIA is a partnership of three South African universities working on data… Late June 2018 in Pretoria saw the gathering of a group of thought leaders in two highly specialized and important fields in science; Astronomy and Computational Intelligence. These two seemingly… The University of Pretoria (UP) held its annual Academic Achievers Awards on 10 May 2018 to celebrate the outstanding performance of its academic staff, pay tribute to their commitment and…IDIA Associate Director Carolina Ödman wins prestigious Special International Astronomical Union Award for astronomy outreach, development and education
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