The International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD), which has invested more than 1.5 Million Euros in development projects led by astronomy, is pleased to announce its 2026 call for proposals. Seed funding will be provided to proposals with high potential for making a positive societal impact using astronomy.
Astronomy is a universally appealing topic that has inspired generations. Humanity’s endless curiosity has led to a better understanding of the Universe and resulted in major technological developments that have benefitted society. While astronomy is typically perceived as a discovery science, it holds potential to create positive impact due to its deep cultural ties, its hold over popular imagination, and its natural affinity to multi-disciplinary work.
The mission of the OAD is to further the use of astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructures, as a tool for sustainable development globally. Through an annual call for proposals, the IAU OAD funds and supports projects that apply astronomy towards societal benefit. Past projects have used astronomy-based tourism to stimulate rural development, changed student attitudes towards STEM through the exciting lens of astronomy, mentored and supported girls to reduce school dropout rates, and even worked with prisoners to boost their morale and reorient values through an astronomy experience.
The OAD invites applications for Stage 1 of its 2026 call for proposals, open until May 31. Applications can be submitted by anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of their qualifications in astronomy (although it is expected that the proposing team has access to people with suitable astronomy as well as development expertise as needed). Proposers should submit a brief application on their project idea which will be scored by an independent panel of reviewers based on defined criteria.
Selected proposals will be invited to submit a more comprehensive Stage 2 application. During Stage 2, teams will work closely with the OAD, its Regional Offices where applicable, and other experts, who will provide feedback to improve the application. Based on these engagements, proposers may modify their Stage 2 application and submit by September 15. The revised Stage 2 applications will be scored by an independent panel of reviewers who will make recommendations on projects to be funded. After final approval from the OAD Steering Committee, applicants will be notified of the results.
Projects selected through this call should be implemented in 2027. The OAD encourages applications that align with one of its Flagships – astrotourism for socioeconomic development, astronomy for mental health, and astronomy knowledge and skills for development.
Any applicants who lack training or experience in writing proposals can request Proposal Writing support from the OAD. Applicants will be matched up with an astronomer or other expert who will guide and advise the applicant.
The deadline for Stage 1 applications is May 31, 2026.
About the IAU and OAD
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is an organisation that brings together about 13,000 astronomers from around the world. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body of astronomers. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them.
The IAU established the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. The OAD was officially opened on 16 April 2011 at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa. As of 2026, the OAD has administered more than €1,500,000 in grant funds, awarded to 250 projects across the world. Since its establishment the OAD has negotiated the establishment of eleven regional offices around the world (based in Armenia, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Jordan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Thailand, USA and Zambia) with two of these offices serving as a joint language centre (Chinese and Arabic), and one serving as a dedicated language centre (Portuguese).
Links
- 2026 Call for Proposals: www.astro4dev.org/cfp/
- Information Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AaTKYfW8TxGgzhPKIiBdHg#/registration
- Proposal Writing Support: http://www.astro4dev.org/cfp/support-to-proposers/
- Background on Astronomy for Development: http://www.astro4dev.org/getting-started/
- Online course on Astronomy for Development: http://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/course/view.php?id=3071
- Previously Funded Projects: https://www.astro4dev.org/projects-search/
- Sign up to mailing list: https://astro4dev.org/contactus/emaillists/
Contacts:
Ramasamy Venugopal
IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
rv@astro4dev.org
IAU Press Office
pressoffice@iau.org
