foreword

YOUNG WOMEN, THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER!

Women have contributed immensely to the development of their communities, countries and the world. That they may not be afforded the due credit is a debate for another day, but in this issue of African Science Stars, I am happy to note the celebration and recognition of women in their various fields of work across Africa.

Celebrating Women and Women in Science is very important to me since so many wonderful women have inspired me in my life. Women such as my mom, who has always been my number one inspiration.

Scientists such as Prof Ewine F. van Dishoeck, one of the pioneers in Astrochemistry. Prof Anna Scaife, my mentor. Prof Myfanwy Lloyd, my PhD advisor. Fellow young scientists such as Dr Tana Joseph, Dr Bethany May, Dr Benedicta Woode and many others who are constantly inspiring me have helped and influenced my career ambitions.

As a woman in science with an interest in chemistry, I have conducted research in the phytochemistry of plants and their antimicrobial properties, isotope hydrology and hydrochemistry of wetland, and my current research is in the evolutions of massive young stellar objects using complex molecules found in stellar environments. This current research involves observation of stellar objects and theoretical and computational modelling of complex molecules to understand how the stellar objects evolve. The radio telescope at the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute) is one such telescope used to observe a molecule like methanol in starforming regions in space. The telescope is currently in the works to include pulsar observations also.

Drawing up on my experience in academia and research, as well as my experience as the vice-president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), I believe women have the potential to contribute more to the development of their countries and the world.

Women are instrumental in all ways when we consider the development of a nation. I want to encourage all young women and girls to be focused and persistent in their dreams.

They should not limit themselves or believe the limitations put on them by society because they are powerful beyond measure.

In Africa we need our young women to stand up and take a stand for themselves the future is filled with infinite possibilities, especially in the sciences.

Naomi Asabre Frimpong

*Naomi Asabre Frimpong is a research scientist and vice-president of AfAS. She holds a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics (University of Manchester, UK)