Ram Venugopal, Author at IAU Office of Astronomy for Development https://astro4dev.org/author/ramv/ Astronomy for a better world! Wed, 06 May 2026 09:37:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://astro4dev.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-03_OAD_symbol_colour_2-32x32.jpg Ram Venugopal, Author at IAU Office of Astronomy for Development https://astro4dev.org/author/ramv/ 32 32 Canadian Project Fosters Science Identity and STEAM Engagement Amongst Black Girls https://astro4dev.org/canadian-project-fosters-science-identity-and-steam-engagement-amongst-black-girls/ Wed, 06 May 2026 09:33:41 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=31175 The Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy (BGPA) project aims to foster early science identity and STEAM engagement among participants. The project has completed a number of activities for youth leaders and participants, inspiring curiosity and creating a sense of identity and belonging in science spaces. ———– February 25, 2026: First session hosted by the [...]

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]]> IAU Calls for Innovative Astronomy Projects to Promote Sustainable Development https://astro4dev.org/iau-calls-for-innovative-astronomy-projects-to-promote-sustainable-development/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:37:24 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=31153 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 [...]

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]]> Science and Memory: Ana Teresa Diego, the Sky Also Remembers https://astro4dev.org/science-and-memory-ana-teresa-diego-the-sky-also-remembers/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:13:35 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=31086 This blog post was written by Dr. Facundo Rodríguez, project lead of the IAU OAD funded Right to Sky project in Argentina Originally published at https://diciembre.org/ciencia-y-memoria-ana-teresa-diego-el-cielo-tambien-recuerda/ The sky, its interpretation and what is said about it tells us a lot about the people who observe it. And, even from a scientific perspective, it changes depending [...]

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]]> IAU OAD and RIIS Partner to Advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development Across Africa https://astro4dev.org/iau-oad-and-riis-partner-to-advance-innovation-entrepreneurship-and-sustainable-development-across-africa/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:07:42 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=31007 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Cape Town, South Africa – 23 February 2026. The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a partnership of the National Research Foundation (NRF) with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RIIS to establish a [...]

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]]> South Africa Based International Office Drives Sustainable Development through Astronomy https://astro4dev.org/south-africa-based-international-office-drives-sustainable-development-through-astronomy/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:17:44 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=31004 Source: National Research Foundation For immediate release20 February 2026 The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a partnership of the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), is delighted to announce that 10 African projects have been selected to receive funding to advance [...]

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]]> IAU Offers Grants to Drive Sustainable Development through Astronomy https://astro4dev.org/iau-offers-grants-to-drive-sustainable-development-through-astronomy/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:17:26 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30964 source: IAU The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) has concluded its 14th annual call for proposals, and 18 projects will receive funding in 2026 to use astronomy to further sustainable development. The OAD is pleased to announce that 18 new projects around the world will receive grants to promote sustainable [...]

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]]> Looking Up Together at the End of 2025 https://astro4dev.org/looking-up-together-at-the-end-of-2025/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:27:09 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30748 By Dominic Vertue As 2025 came to a close, we had the opportunity to pause and reflect together under one of the most beautiful night sky events of the year. On 13 December, the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, in collaboration with the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, and astronomer and mindfulness practitioner, Dr. [...]

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]]> IAU OAD Partners with the Royal Bafokeng Nation to Advance Community Development through Science https://astro4dev.org/iau-oad-partners-with-royal-bafokeng-nation-for-community-development/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:33:15 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30721 PRESS RELEASE Royal Bafokeng Nation and IAU Office of Astronomy for Development Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Community Development Through Science The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU–OAD) and the Office of Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu have formalised a partnership aimed at leveraging astronomy to drive socio-economic transformation within the [...]

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]]> How Stargazing is Shaping Mental Health Research https://astro4dev.org/how-stargazing-is-shaping-mental-health-research/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:10:43 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30711 source: Stellenbosch University As mental health challenges continue to escalate globally, the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative that leverages the cosmos. By partnering with public health researchers, the OAD is unveiling novel ways in which astronomy experiences can enhance emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and foster [...]

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]]> Video: Australia’s Cultural Night Sky https://astro4dev.org/video-australias-cultural-night-sky/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:38:35 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30703 Koya Aboriginal Corporation and Dr John Goldsmith / Celestial Visions have released a film of their project, “Australia’s Cultural Night Sky: Culture, Creativity and Community at Lake Ballard, Western Australia”. The video documents the journey and activities of 12 Aboriginal high-school students, visiting the remote, dark-sky location of Lake Ballard, in the Goldfields region of [...]

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