In a time filled with concern for the future of the Cagliari Astronomical Observatory (OAC), which faces a questionable merger with the Institute of Radio Astronomy in Bologna, it is a great satisfaction for the Observatory itself that one of its researchers has received the prestigious “Sardinian Woman of the Year” award from the Lioness Club of Cagliari.
The researcher in question is Marta Burgay, known to the scientific community (and beyond) worldwide for discovering the only known double pulsar in 2003. Marta has been working in Sardinia for eleven years at the OAC, and is therefore now an “adopted Sardinian,” so to speak, despite her origins in the Aosta Valley.
The award was presented yesterday at the Cagliari Town Hall during a ceremony held in the council chamber in the presence of Mayor Massimo Zedda and the president of the Lioness Club of Cagliari, Maria Bonaria Pau Pedemonte.
Marta is an example of how the presence of women is becoming increasingly important and relevant to science: astronomers and astrophysicists, as well as physicists, biologists, geologists, medical doctors, and professionals from many other disciplines, make an enormous contribution to scientific progress worldwide. There are perhaps still too few compared to what could be, but to improve things from that perspective, we need to work on a cultural level and make girls and young women of new generations aware of their capabilities, including in the scientific field.
Marta expressed her happiness with the recognition received and gratitude to the region that has hosted her for many years and has allowed her to grow professionally. Regarding the potential merger with the Institute in Bologna, the researcher says she is “at least perplexed; it would be a loss both in terms of prestige and visibility for Sardinia and from a practical and opportunity standpoint for those involved, starting with the temporary staff.” Marta’s voice joins that of all the OAC staff, forming a united and determined front against the merger, deemed not only completely senseless but also depriving Sardinia of the excellence developed over many years of work at the OAC and the Sardinia Radio Telescope.
Returning to the prestigious award, congratulations to Marta from everyone at the OAC!