Católica welcomes Amena Karimyan, Afghan astronomer and activist, for an inspiring talk

Amena Karimyan visited Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) Porto Campus, for an inspiring morning session on the theme “Science, Freedom and Thriving Futures”. Founder of the Kayhana Astronomical Group, established in 2018 to promote astronomy among young people—particularly girls—in Afghanistan, Amena Karimyan emphasised the importance of scientific knowledge as a tool for both individual and collective empowerment.

During her talk, she shared her life story and the fascination with constellations that has captivated her since childhood—an interest which ultimately led to the creation of the Kayhana Astronomical Group. Amena Karimyan describes astronomy as “a passion, a love”. Despite operating in a context marked by repression and conflict, the Afghan activist took the risk of launching this initiative, which now boasts 300 active members. “In Afghanistan, we must fight for the most basic human rights,” she stated.

Speaking on the importance of education, Amena Karimyan said, “The new generation is the hope for the future,” stressing that “they must be better than us”.

Amena Karimyan, a civil engineer and astronomer, promotes astronomy education among young people in Afghanistan. In 2021, she led an all-female team to victory at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics and was named by the BBC that same year as one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world, in recognition of her efforts in advancing knowledge and equal opportunities. Her life story is a powerful example of how access to knowledge can serve as a means of emancipation and hope.

The event, held on 29 May, highlighted the importance of resilience and dedication to science, and was attended by UCP’s pro-rector Isabel Braga da Cruz, faculty deans, students, academic staff, and other members of the university community.

During her visit to Porto, Amena Karimyan will also take part in the National Science Exhibition, organised by the Fundação da Juventude at the Alfândega Congress Centre, where she will join a roundtable discussion on the theme “Pathways to the Future”, alongside UCP pro-rector Isabel Braga da Cruz.