Astronomy is not only about studying the universe; it also drives innovation that can address some of society’s most pressing challenges. Techniques originally developed for exploring our universe can be adapted for real-world applications, from disaster response to environmental monitoring. By leveraging astronomical data analysis, machine learning, and sensor networks, we can better predict, understand, […]
Category Archives: 2025
02
Jun
Jun
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 […]
27
May
May
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 […]
2025, Blog
Across the cultural divide: Europe and Africa through the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
20
May
May
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 […]
08
May
May
Astronomy, one of the oldest and most fundamental scientific disciplines, has yielded profound insights into the nature of space, time, and matter, while serving as a catalyst for significant technological innovations. In recent years, the rapid growth of data from ground and space-based observatories has established artificial intelligence (AI) as an indispensable tool in modern […]