The OAD (Office of Astronomy for Development) will participate in the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP 2026) Conference, hosted by the University of the Western Cape from 6-10 July 2026, sharing our work on astrotourism, astronomy for mental health, and hackathons for development. The South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) is the premier annual […]
Category Archives: 2026
2026, Starry Safaris: Astrotourism for Development Project in Tanzania, Sub-Saharan Africa
IAU OAD Project in Tanzania Launches Astrotourism Tours
06
Jul
Jul
Starry Safaris, an IAU OAD supported project in Tanzania, is using astronomy tourism to create additional income opportunities for economically-disadvantaged young men and women. They have established an astrotourism program at the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory (MMAO) in Arusha, Tanzania, and conducted the first astrotourism tour a few days ago. The team completed a three-day […]
12
Jun
Jun
The IAU OAD is pleased to announce the funding of five new astronomy-for-development projects by Development in Africa through Radio Astronomy (DARA). The projects will be run by the 2026 DARA student teams in Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Kenya. Projects will address urgent challenges within communities such as youth unemployment, gaps in […]
2026, Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy, North America
Canadian Project Fosters Science Identity and STEAM Engagement Amongst Black Girls
06
May
May
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 […]
30
Apr
Apr
The IAU OAD has published its latest newsletter for the January to March 2026 period. Highlights in the newsletter: IAU Calls for Innovative Astronomy Projects to Promote Sustainable Development IAU OAD Celebrates 15 years of Impact 2025 Project Outcomes Upcoming events for 2026 Previous newsletters are on the website.