Author Archives: Ram Venugopal

“A Cosmos of Languages”

As part of their OAD funded project, “Australia’s Cultural Night Sky: Culture, Creativity and Community at Lake Ballard, Western Australia“, Dr John Goldsmith in collaboration with Koya Aboriginal Corporation developed a festival exhibit “A Cosmos of Languages”. The exhibit was presented as part of the Denmark Arts Festival, Western Australia’s longest running community arts festival. […]

New Publication in Nature Astronomy Highlights Global Benefits of Exploring the Universe

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” […]

Q & A with OAD Deputy Director Dr Charles Takalana

OAD Deputy Director, Dr Charles Takalana, was recently interviewed by a high school student on his journey in astronomy. 1. What inspired you to pursue a career in astronomy? Was there a specific event or moment that sparked your interest? My fascination with astronomy began in childhood. I was a naturally curious child, captivated by […]

IAU-OAD Project Wins $1.5 Million Grant From Simons Foundation

Source: IAU announcement An IAU-OAD funded project providing research opportunities to marginalised students has won a $1.5 million grant from the Simons Foundation to further expand its work. The Cenca Bridge project, which is making scientific research more accessible for students in Central America and the Caribbean, exemplifies how IAU support can help new initiatives […]

Across the cultural divide: Europe and Africa through the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development

By Genevieve Marshall, IAU Head of Fundraising and past OAD Fellow In Singapore where I grew up, we’d sometimes travel to Malaysian islands such as Tioman. After a long, occasionally white knuckle-grip drive up to Mersing or Malacca, we’d trade my mother’s tiny Suzuki Swift for a paint-peeled, elderly but still sturdy boat. They had […]