Geoffrey Andama was a mentee in the first round of the ARTEMIS programme in 2023. Since September 2025, he has headed the Max Planck-Humboldt Research Unit at Muni University in Uganda. The new unit is dedicated to developing astrophysics and astronomy across Africa. In this interview, Andama talks about his path into science, the role of mentoring, and his vision for astronomy on the continent.
Vom Mentee zum Forschungsgruppenleiter: Geoffrey Andama setzte früh auf internationale Vernetzung - und knüpfte von Uganda aus enge Kontakte mit dem Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg.
© Anna Ziegler
Geoffrey Andama setzte früh auf internationale Vernetzung - und knüpfte von Uganda aus enge Kontakte mit dem Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg.
How did your fascination with astronomy and planetary science begin?
Geoffrey Andama: It began in my childhood, long before I even knew that astronomy existed as a field. Growing up under the expansive night skies of rural Uganda, I was captivated by the sight of countless stars, twinkling like diamonds. That beauty sparked endless questions: How did these heavenly bodies form? Are there other worlds out there that might host life and orbit their suns? What forces keep these objects in place? This early sense of wonder laid the foundation for my passion for astronomy.
How did you pursue an academic career despite the limited resources in Uganda?
I started seeking collaborations early on and reached out to researchers abroad. This became possible through initiatives such as the East African Astronomical Research Network (EAARN), supported by the International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala University, Sweden. Later, programmes like ARTEMIS further strengthened my connections with partners at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy and the Centre for Star and Planet Formation at the University of Copenhagen. These networks were crucial in ensuring that my work remained scientifically relevant.
What were the biggest challenges in your academic journey so far?
One major challenge was that my path was not straightforward. I initially trained as an engineer and spent several years working in the service industry before entering academia. Transitioning into astrophysics meant closing significant knowledge gaps and meeting the demands of a new discipline. Another challenge was access to resources and infrastructure. It can also be isolating to work in an environment where only a few people share your research interests.
You were one of 25 mentees in the first round of ARTEMIS. What made you apply?
I already had connections with Max Planck researchers. Colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy told me about the programme and encouraged me to apply. They felt it would be a valuable opportunity to experience how research is done in Heidelberg - and they were right.
Did you ever consider pursuing your academic career in another country?
Even with these international connections, what kept me in Uganda was a deep conviction that it is possible to pursue advanced scientific research in Africa, even with limited resources and infrastructure. Of course, many students dream of studying abroad. But I realized that meaningful progress must originate from the very context in which we find ourselves.
What impact did the mentoring programme have on your scientific career?
During the ARTEMIS programme, I discovered my potential not only as a researcher but also as a leader. When the call came to apply for leading a Max Planck-Humboldt Research Unit in Africa, I felt ready. ARTEMIS had strengthened both my technical and professional skills, so I decided to apply for funding and see what would happen.
And you succeeded …
Yes. I started establishing my Max Planck-Humboldt Research Unit at Muni University in Uganda in September 2025. My goal is to build excellence and capacity in Africa, where astronomy is still an emerging field. The unit aims to create access to advanced research from within Africa. Over five years, we will recruit postdocs and PhD students. The grant provides €150,000 per year to run the programme.
That's a great opportunity. What will be the main challenge?
Recruitment will be challenging. We are essentially starting from scratch, as there are still few specialists in this field in Africa. We will need to recruit from outside the continent as well - both to build capacity and to inspire local students by showing that astronomy is a viable career path. We will work closely with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, and students will have the opportunity to travel to Heidelberg and conduct parts of their research there. Access to these facilities will help them meet the demands of modern research.
What needs to change so that more people in Africa pursue a career in this field?
Exposure is essential. Many talented students never consider astronomy simply because they have never encountered it as a viable field of study. Introducing it earlier in the education system could spark interest. We also need infrastructure: access to telescopes, research facilities, and academic networks. And we need human infrastructure - mentors who guide students, support their research, and connect them to global scientific communities.
What have you taken with you from your collaboration with the MPI for Astronomy?
Scientifically, the collaboration has been enriching and transformative. It exposed me to new dimensions of research and to the interplay between theory, observation, and computation. Working with exceptional scientists raised my standards and pushed me to expand my limits.
And on a personal level?
I experienced the human side of excellence at Max Planck. There is a strong culture of collaboration and rigor, where ideas are valued regardless of their source. I took with me the conviction that the best science thrives in community. That is the spirit I now aim to cultivate in my group in Africa - research that is rigorous, imaginative, and deeply collaborative. Because in the end, the best science is not only brilliant but also shared.
This interview was conducted by Petra Maaß
