In 2025, the CTAO Central Organisation launched the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award to recognise the work and achievements of early-career researchers contributing to the CTAO and the field of gamma-ray astronomy. The award is presented annually. Guidelines are available on this webpage, and the nomination period will be announced here in due course.
Prof. Werner Hofmann is a leading figure in astroparticle physics, known for his pioneering work in high-energy gamma-ray astronomy. As a key architect of the H.E.S.S. instrument —a direct predecessors to the CTAO— he helped establish Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) as essential tools for exploring the extreme Universe. As one of the founding figures behind the CTAO concept more than 15 years ago, his vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping both its scientific objectives and technical design. Through the CTAO, Prof. Hofmann also played a vital role in mentoring the next generation of researchers, leaving a lasting legacy in the field. In recognition of his foundational contributions, especially to the inception and development of the CTAO, the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award has been named in his honour.
The current nomination period is closed. The next nomination period for the 2025 Award will be announced on this webpage and through the official CTAO channels.
Eligibility
The nominee must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme or have completed their PhD within 12 months prior to the opening of the nomination period.
The nominee’s research must be primarily focused on very high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy, with contributions in either theoretical, observational, or instrumental areas. While the research does not need to be exclusively about the CTAO, it should have a clear and relevant connection to the project, either in terms of its scientific or technological development.
The candidate’s contribution must be demonstrably significant and impactful within the field.
Nomination
All nomination materials must be submitted in PDF format to ctao-awards@cta-observatory.org. Please ensure the email subject line reads: “Werner Hofmann Scientific Award – [Nominee’s Name].”
Nominations must be submitted by a senior researcher (self-nominations will not be considered) and should include the following information:
Evaluation Committee
The Evaluation Committee will be chaired by the CTAO Project Scientist or their designated representative. It will consist of six additional members, including individuals from the CTAO internal teams, each bringing expertise from different areas within the field of VHE gamma-ray astronomy.
The chair is responsible for ensuring that the Evaluation Committee for the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award reflects diversity, with members representing a range of genders, age groups, geographical backgrounds, and scientific expertise, among other dimensions. Furthermore, the chair is committed to fostering an inclusive nomination process by actively encouraging the nomination of candidates of all genders, ethnicities, nationalities, and regions, including those from groups traditionally under-represented in science. The aim is to build a candidate pool that is both diverse and equitable.
Selection Criteria
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate nominees based on the following criteria:
Originality and innovative nature of the research.
Scientific or technical impact on the field of VHE gamma-ray astronomy.
Degree of the nominee’s individual contribution to the presented work.
Clarity, quality, and community recognition of written publications and other relevant materials.
Award
The recipient of the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award will receive:
A certificate of achievement, a commemorative medal, and a monetary prize, the amount of which will be announced soon.
An invitation to deliver a lecture at the subsequent CTAO Symposium, with the associated participation fee covered, providing the recipient with the opportunity to present their work to the broader scientific community. Please note that the CTAO Symposium is held biennially, meaning the winner may present their work either in the year they receive the award or the following year.
An invitation to attend the award ceremony session, where the winner will be presented with the commemorative medal. This will take place either at the CTAO Symposium or, in years without the Symposium, at a suitable CTAO international meeting, with the associated participation fee covered.
Timeline and Announcement
The timeline and announcement will proceed as follows:
Nomination Period: The nomination period will be announced annually on this webpage and through the official CTAO channels.
Winner Notification: The winner will be informed via email, and a public announcement will be made at least two months prior to the CTAO Symposium or meeting, where the winner will receive the commemorative medal.
Award Presentation: During the corresponding CTAO Symposium or meeting, the award will be publicly announced in a dedicated session, and there will be an in-person celebration where the winner will receive the commemorative medal.
Data Protection
By applying to the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award, both the nominator and nominee agree to the collection and use of their personal data (such as, but not limited to, name and email address) solely for the purposes of the award process, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
The nominee’s research and intellectual property will remain their own; however, the CTAO reserves the right to publicly communicate about the nominee’s work included in the documents submitted for the nomination, through official channels, including but not limited to websites, social media, and press releases. Additionally, photographs and videos may be taken during the award ceremony and related events, which may be used for promotional and communication purposes. By accepting the award, the nominee consents to the use of their image and work as described above.
Contact
For any inquiries, please contact the CTAO Project Scientist, Roberta Zanin, at roberta.zanin@cta-observatory.org.