Astro4Dev at the AfAS 2025 Conference

The OAD will be hosting a special session at the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference and General Assembly 2025, taking place from March 23–28, 2025, hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Gauteng. The session is scheduled for March 24, from 16:30 to 18:00 UTC+2, and aims to be an engaging and impactful event.

The session will focus on how astronomy can address global challenges and promote sustainable development. It will highlight the impact of OAD-funded projects in Africa, showcase flagship initiatives such as Astrotourism, Astronomy for Mental Health, and Hack4Dev, and share insights from regional offices. The session aims to inspire new partnerships and provide guidance on the upcoming OAD Call for Proposals.

Additionally, members of the OAD team will contribute to the conference by delivering talks on OAD flagship projects. Dominic Vertue will present a plenary talk titled “Astronomy, Mental Health, and Outreach,” while Samyukta Manikumar will deliver a talk titled “The Potential of Astrotourism in Africa.” Both the plenary and talk will take place on March 27, 2025.

The AfAS 2025 conference welcomes everyone, whether in-person or online. It’s an opportunity to witness how astronomy bridges science and society, fostering a brighter future for all.

For more details or to register, visit here