AAS Members Among Inaugural Recipients of IAU STEM Ambassador Recognition Award Medal

This article is adapted from an announcement by the International Astronomical Union Women in Astronomy Working Group.

Dr. Duília de Mello, a Brazilian astronomer and a full professor of physics at the Catholic University of America, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) STEM Ambassador Recognition Award Medal (2024–2025).

This new award was established to recognize outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact in advancing gender equity and inclusion in astronomy — especially under resource-constrained or under-resourced conditions. The TEM Ambassador Recognition Award acknowledges leadership, advocacy for women career in astronomy, mentorship, and sustained efforts to foster equity, inclusive hiring and funding practices, and supportive academic environments. It designates the awardee as a Role Model — an ambassador for change whose efforts embody the long-term vision of the IAU to promote a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive global scientific community.

Dr. Duília de Mello’s long-standing dedication to mentoring, advocacy for gender balance, and her global influence in promoting women career in astronomy distinguished her as the first awardee of this Medal. We are deeply grateful for her contributions, which embody the spirit and mission of the IAU Executive Committee’s Women in Astronomy Working Group: to advance equal opportunities and support a equitable astronomical community globally.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Duília de Mello, and all the awardees of the 2024–2025 STEM Ambassador Recognition Award: Dr. Lisa Kewley (AAS member), Dr. Mirjana Pović, Dr. Rita de Cássia dos Anjos, Dr. Till Sawala, Dr. Syksy Räsänen, and Dr. Prajval Shastri, for this well-deserved recognition, and in celebrating this important milestone in the history of IAU with the IAU Women in Astronomy Working Group.