Wondering how astronomy can have a real impact on people and the planet? Watch our showcase of astronomy-for-development projects funded in 2024.
Every year, the Office of Astronomy for Development, through the International Astronomical Union, provides grants and supports projects around the world that apply astronomy in the pursuit of sustainable development. In 2024, the IAU OAD funded 14 projects for a total of €114,667. These projects were run by multidisciplinary teams and addressed local and global challenges through astronomy-related innovations.
Projects spanned the globe, with activities taking place cover Asia, Africa, South and Central America, and the Middle East. They included: astro-tourism initiatives near petroglyph sites in Mongolia and the Tharparkar Desert in Pakistan; a community education programme in rural Honduras; a remote internship for marginalised students from Central America and the Caribbean; a collaboration between astronomers and artists in a Brazilian favela; projects advancing girls’ education and empowerment in Ethiopia and Kenya; teacher training workshops in Timor-Leste, among others.
Watch the videos below to learn more.