Category Archives: 2026

IAU OAD and RIIS Partner to Advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development Across Africa

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 […]

South Africa Based International Office Drives Sustainable Development through Astronomy

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 […]

Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Astronomy as a Catalyst for Development

By Dr Joyful Mdhluli, OAD Flagship Coordinator The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to recognise the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. Celebrated annually on February 11, it aims to promote full and equal access to participation in […]

IAU Offers Grants to Drive Sustainable Development through Astronomy

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 […]

Radio Astronomy, Intercultural Collaboration, and Science Diplomacy

We are excited to kickstart the 2026 Full Moon Mashup series with a conversation that explores how astronomy can connect cultures, strengthen international collaboration, and contribute to science diplomacy. How can astronomy bring people, cultures, and countries closer together? The next Astro4Dev Full Moon Mashup will explore this question by focusing on the international and […]