Author Archives: Ram Venugopal

OAD session at Science Forum South Africa: “Astronomy for a better world”

In this session we explore how the multiple facets of astronomy can be used as a tool for sustainable development. Modern astronomy tests the limits of our human ingenuity when it comes to developing the tools and methods with which to understand the universe and its contents. Yet, we also develop connections with astronomy through […]

International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development Closing Ceremony

“The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) was a unique opportunity to convince all stakeholders that, through a basic  understanding of nature, actions taken will be more effective, for the common good”, said Michel Spiro, Chair of the Steering Committee of IYBSSD, and President of the International Union of Pure and Applied […]

IAPS-OAD Mental Health Workshop on “Planetary Self-Care Activities”

On November 4, 2023, the OAD’s Astronomy for Mental Health group, in partnership with the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS), conducted a pair of virtual workshops tailored for physics students. These sessions were dedicated to exploring the potential of astronomy as a tool for enhancing mental well-being. The workshops commenced with introductions to the […]

Virtual Program in Peru Improves Rural Teachers’ Scientific Competence

The goal of the CosmoAmautas project is to increase the scientific literacy in Peruvian school teachers and promote equity and inclusion in STEM education through teacher training. In 2022, we ran a 6-day virtual workshop to train 74 teachers in several topics across astrophysics with focus on applications of the scientific method. The participants were […]

Workshops Build Solar Eclipse Sonification Devices

The LightSound Project is building and distributing solar eclipse sonification devices across the United State, Mexico, and Canada in preparation for the upcoming October 14, 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse and the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. The project runs workshops to teach students and adults how to solder while building devices that are then […]