OAD Fellow Dominic Vertue gave a presentation at the South African Association of Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP) 2025 conference. SAASWIPP is a professional association of social workers in private practice in South Africa. The presentation covered the role that astronomy can play in supporting mental health and well-being with adults. The session explored [...] The post Astronomy for Mental Health at Social Workers Conference appeared first on IAU Office of Astronomy for Devel...| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the largest professional society of astronomers worldwide, is launching an astronomy-based initiative, through its Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), to drive entrepreneurship and support mental health. Termed the “Flagship Ecosystem”, the initiative will offer a wide range of support to people from around the world to engage in astronomy [...] The post International Astronomical Union Launches Astronomy-for-Development Ecosystem appeare...| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
Kevin Govender, Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, moderated a panel discussion at a recent gathering of G20 science delegations in South Africa. The event was organised by the South African Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Square Kilometre Array Organisation (SKAO) and South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), under the [...] The post OAD Director Moderates Panel at G20 Science Gathering appeared first on IAU Office of Astronomy for Devel...| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) aims to further the use of astronomy as a tool for sustainable development globally.| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
The Ballard project visited a remote area, dark-sky site that enabled a group of Aboriginal students, from Governor Stirling Senior High School (aged up to 16 yrs), to participate in a one-week journey (between 18-22 August 2025), to Lake Ballard and Morapoi Station. Lake Ballard is an important dark-sky remote-area landscape in Western Australia, located [...] The post Indigenous Students Encounter the Cosmos at Lake Ballard, Australia appeared first on IAU Office of Astronomy for Development.| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
Through our Astronomy for Mental Health flagship, the OAD has the privilege of connecting with amazing people from all around the world. Today, we’re excited to shine a light on the inspiring work of Troy Allen. This July, Dr. Troy Allan, Assistant Professor with Utah State University Extension, and his family were selected to participate [...] The post A Village of Stars: A Wellness Walk Under the Sky appeared first on IAU Office of Astronomy for Development.| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) invites institutions, organisations, and stakeholders to partner with us in our annual Call for Proposals, an initiative that supports projects around the world that use astronomy to address developmental challenges. Since 2012, the OAD has funded over 230 projects reaching across more than 100 [...] The post Call for Partners for the IAU OAD Global Grants Programme appeared first on IAU Office of Astronomy f...| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
South Africa will be hosting the G20 science ministers in September and we have the opportunity to share your voice at this event.| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
Dr. Joyful Mdhluli, Flagships Coordinator, will be a featured speaker in the upcoming Physics for Development Colloquia Series, hosted by the American Physical Society’s Forum on International Physics (FIP). The colloquium will take place virtually on August 28, 2025 at 14:00 UTC, and will focus on the role of astronomy as a tool for sustainable [...] The post Mark Your Calendar: OAD at APS Physics for Development Series appeared first on IAU Office of Astronomy for Development.| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
In June, we explored how astronomy techniques, refined in the study of starlight and the structure of the cosmos, can be adapted to drive innovation across a wide range of fields. This August, we continue the conversation with a deep dive into the intersections between astrophysics, data science, and global health. Guiding this session is [...]| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) participated in the ongoing IAU Symposium on Indigenous Astronomy in the Space Age, highlighting the role of astronomy in sustainable development through astrotourism initiatives. Dr. Joyful Mdhluli delivered a presentation on the OAD’s Astrotourism flagship project, outlining how astrotourism serves as a catalyst for local [...] The post OAD Participation at the IAU Symposium on Indigenous Astronomy in the S...| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
Our latest Astro4Dev Full Moon Mashup brought together a vibrant group of people to explore an important question: How can astronomy contribute to global policy discussions, particularly in the context of the G20? Astronomy and the G20: Why It Matters Charles, Deputy Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), opened the session [...]| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
Astronomy not only explores the universe but promotes, among others, gender equity, mental well-being, entrepreneurship, employment, and skills development. A new article published in Nature Astronomy underscores how the exploration of the universe is not only scientifically compelling but also socially and economically beneficial. The comment titled “Astronomy as a strategic driver for sustainable development” [...]| IAU Office of Astronomy for Development