Author Archives: Ram Venugopal

OAD Director Moderates Panel at G20 Science Gathering

Kevin Govender, Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, moderated a panel discussion at a recent gathering of G20 science delegations in South Africa. The event was organised by the South African Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Square Kilometre Array Organisation (SKAO) and South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), under the […]

Astronomy Project Strengthens Science Capacity in 110 Rural Colombian Schools

Bringing Astronomy to Rural Communities of Colombia (BARCo) supported teachers in remote areas by providing hands-on astronomy resources designed for classrooms with limited infrastructure, often lacking labs, consistent electricity, or internet access. The project equipped educators with ready-to-use, engaging materials that make astronomy both accessible and exciting. By reaching historically underserved rural schools, including those […]

Indigenous Students Encounter the Cosmos at Lake Ballard, Australia

The Ballard project visited a remote area, dark-sky site that enabled a group of Aboriginal students, from Governor Stirling Senior High School (aged up to 16 yrs), to participate in a one-week journey (between 18-22 August 2025), to Lake Ballard and Morapoi Station. Lake Ballard is an important dark-sky remote-area landscape in Western Australia, located […]

A Village of Stars: A Wellness Walk Under the Sky

Through our Astronomy for Mental Health flagship, the OAD has the privilege of connecting with amazing people from all around the world. Today, we’re excited to shine a light on the inspiring work of Troy Allen. This July, Dr. Troy Allan, Assistant Professor with Utah State University Extension, and his family were selected to participate […]

Call for Partners for the IAU OAD Global Grants Programme

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) invites institutions, organisations, and stakeholders to partner with us in our annual Call for Proposals, an initiative that supports projects around the world that use astronomy to address developmental challenges. Since 2012, the OAD has funded over 230 projects reaching across more than 100 […]