On June 4, 2024, a pioneering workshop took place at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), marking a significant step in integrating mental health with astronomy outreach and science communication. This transformative session, organized by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), served as a pilot for the upcoming Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP) […]
Author Archives: Ram Venugopal
2024, annual call for proposals
IAU OAD Opens 2024 Call for Proposals to Promote Sustainable Development
26
Apr
Apr
The IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) has released its 2024 Call for Proposals for projects that aim to use astronomy to progress sustainable development. This annual call supports the OAD’s mission to further the use of astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructures, as a tool for sustainable development globally. The call for […]
2024, Astronomy for mental health, Flagship 2
Mental Health Interventions in Times of Conflict: A Summary of Considerations and Best Practices
15
Apr
Apr
In the tumultuous landscape of conflict, where every headline screams of violence and destruction, there exists a quieter, yet equally devastating reality—the silent struggles of those grappling with the invisible wounds of war. It is a reality that often goes unnoticed amidst the chaos, overshadowed by the urgent demands of immediate physical humanitarian relief. However, […]
16
Feb
Feb
The IAU OAD has published its latest newsletter for the October to December 2023 period. Highlights in the newsletter: Conference Deadlines IAU General Assembly 2024: abstracts deadline on 01 March IAU Communicating Astronomy with the Public CAP conference: abstracts deadline on 29 February New astronomy-for-development projects funded in 2024 Previous newsletters are on the website. […]
14
Feb
Feb
On 13th February, a 1-hour virtual link-up based on astronomy took place between primary schools in Armenia, Ethiopia, Ireland, the Netherlands and Nigeria. The contact was a “try-out” organized by the International Astronomical Union European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (E-ROAD) at Leiden University. The eventual goal of the programme is to bring together […]