Asfaw Receives 2008 New International Award

Laike Mariam Asfaw became the director of the Addis Ababa Geophysical Observatory (AAO) at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, in 1978. His quiet calm and dedication have ensured a continuous, high‐quality data stream throughout the often politically turbulent period since. He is also deeply involved in the geophysical education of his country's science students, understanding, awareness‐raising, and advising on its seismic and related hazards, and the promotion of its science on the international stage.The AAO was founded in the International Geophysical Year (IGY) as a geomagnetic observatory, still one of the few in Africa. Originally using paper records, hourly mean data have been produced since the observatory's inception; minute mean values have been available since 2000. It is now an International Real‐Time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET) observatory, indicating that it adheres to the highest standards of operation and, through satellite communication, provides data in near real time. Seismometer installation took place in 1959 and was upgraded with digital equipment in 1997. The AAO now also manages the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) broadband and other short‐period digital seismic stations in Ethiopia, and is an auxiliary Comprehensive Nuclear‐Test‐Ban Treaty Organization station. A continuously running GPS receiver has recently augmented the instrument base, and AAO is an International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service station. The observatory's development and expansion and commitment of overseas funds would not have happened without Laike's leadership. He also ensures that AAO staff and students are actively involved in research based on the observatory's data.