#Astronomy for positive developmental change. The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is a joint project between @IAU_org & @NRF_News
Joined September 2010
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6 Oct 2025
OAD’s new Astronomy-for-Development Ecosystem has been launched!! From astrotourism to free training & seed funding, it aims to empower changemakers worldwide. 🔗 Check it out: lnkd.in/dCG2iEEQ Follow for updates! #ScienceForSociety #Astro4Dev #OAD
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Jun 12
Congratulations to the five projects selected through the DARA–OAD Astronomy for Development partnership!
We look forward to seeing their impact across Africa through astronomy, education, and community development.
@dara_project
🔗 astro4dev.org/dara-funds-fiv…
#Astro4Dev
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Jun 1
🎉 New record! The IAU OAD Call for Proposals 2026 has closed with 250 applications—the highest ever, surpassing the previous record of 230 in 2013.
Thank you for your passion to change the world. Proposal reviews begin now, with Stage 1 results expected in early August.
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IAU-OAD retweeted
May 30
Join us in celebrating and reflecting on lessons from 15 years of @astro4dev as we map out the future of this bold initiative by the @IAU_org, @NRF_News, @SAAO, and @dstigovza;
15-17 February 2027, fully hybrid. Save the date and watch this space... astro4dev.org/OAD15
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May 28
SOHO, funded by the IAU OAD, is using astronomy to support mental well-being in Uganda’s refugee camps through night-sky observations, creative learning, and peer-led workshops, the project helps youth build resilience, hope, and belonging.
Read more: lnkd.in/dD3kQCuG
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May 24
Curious about astronomy? Turn your passion for the Universe into real-world impact
The IAU OAD is funding innovative projects using astronomy for sustainable development—from education to tourism and social change.
Open to anyone
Deadline: 31 May 2026
lnkd.in/d6TJAynV
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IAU-OAD retweeted
We met with Brazilian astronomy group to talk about societal benefits. The gathering was organised by @BRICSAstronomy for @SAAO @AfricaAstronomy & the @Astro4Dev to find collaborative opportunities.
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May 19
How can astrotourism support sustainable development, cultural heritage, education, and local communities?
Join us for a discussion on this topic: astrotourism.astro4dev.org/a…
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IAU-OAD retweeted
As part of the AfAS Africa Day celebrations, we are pleased to launch a continent-wide initiative titled:
"Voices of African Astronomy"
This campaign aims to highlight the people, stories, & aspirations that shape astronomy across Africa today.
#AfricaAstronomy #AfASAfricaDay
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May 14
Our 2026 project teams, The Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy (BGPA) project, which aims to foster early science identity and STEAM engagement among black girls, has run a number of activities for youth leaders and young girls.
Read more: lnkd.in/dEfdZ8Ga
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IAU-OAD retweeted
May 12
We are hiring!
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is looking for a Programme Coordinator: Schools to join our team in Carnarvon, Northern Cape.
If you are passionate about education and community engagement in the STEM sector, we want to hear from you.
📅 Closing Date: 02 June 2026
📍 Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
🔗 Apply here: sarao.ac.za/job/programme-co…
#SARAO #STEMCareers #EducationJobs #NorthernCape #Hiring #SouthAfricaJobs #AstronomyCareers
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May 7
📢 Webinar: IAU OAD Call for Proposals
🗓 08 May | 🕛 12:00 UTC
Join our webinar to learn about the Call for Proposals, proposal writing, budgeting, impact measurement, and designing strong #Astro4Dev projects.
🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi…
#Astro4Dev #IAUOAD
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Apr 30
Curious about astronomy? Turn your passion for the Universe into real-world impact
The IAU OAD is funding innovative projects using astronomy for sustainable development—from education to tourism and social change.
Open to anyone
Deadline: 31 May 2026
lnkd.in/d6TJAynV
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Feb 19
LUNAR project in Mexico demonstrates that looking at the sky is also a way to strengthen the community.
Funded by the IAU OAD through the annual call for proposals, the project combined astronomy, cultural heritage, tourist experience, design, and dark sky conservation,
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Feb 19
connecting local communities with their night sky.
So far, the project has developed an initial catalogue of astrotourism products, formed a committee to promote dark sky certification, and advocated for astrotourism amongst local authorities.
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Feb 11
Celebrating #WomenAndGirlsInScience
Through its global projects, the IAU OAD empowers women and girls in STEM - using astronomy to inspire opportunity, leadership & sustainable development. When she reaches for the stars, we all rise. ✨
#IDWGIS2026 #GenderEquality #Astro4Dev
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Feb 4
Astronomy is not only inspiring, it can have real positive effects on people and the planet. Some examples of how our 2026 projects will create a better world using astronomy.
Learn more: lnkd.in/dCGf69YC
[IAU, astronomy, impact, science, society, astro4dev, development]
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Jan 29
Exciting news! 18 new astronomy-for-development projects worldwide will receive grants in 2026, funded by the @IAU_org and DARA via the UK’s STFC. Congrats to all the teams! Full list: lnkd.in/dvw96Sqb
#astro4dev #sciencefordevelopment #impact
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Jan 26
How to spot the super bright planet Jupiter in our sky?
Latest video from @Kainaat_Kids shares stargazing tips, epic star stories and a tour of the night sky,
Kainaat Kids project was supported by the OAD through its annual call for proposals.
youtube.com/watch?v=rokUZTd_…
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Jan 12
Dr. Joyful Elma Mdhluli, Project coordinator at the IAU OAD was interviewed by Physics Today, published by the American Institute of Physics.
Read the article on the January Issue of Physics Today: physicstoday.aip.org/news/jo…
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IAU-OAD retweeted
Jan 11
South African research shows guided stargazing can reduce anxiety, boost mood and foster connection — offering a powerful shift in perspective on wellbeing through the simple act of looking up. We speak to Dr Charles Takalana @Astro4Dev on #SAfmJSB with @BridgetMasinga
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