The OAD’s Flagship projects aim to scale proven astronomy interventions that create positive impact.
Flagship 1: Astrotourism for Development
Astrotourism is the intersection of astronomy (the study of objects in outer space) and tourism (visiting places for recreational activities). Our mission is to harness the potent synergy of astronomy and tourism to catalyse socioeconomic development at the rural level. Recognizing the inherent advantages of naturally dark skies and rich natural and cultural heritage in many rural areas, the flagship initiative empowers rural communities, ensuring that the transformative potential of astrotourism becomes an inclusive force, fostering economic growth and preserving local identities.
Flagship 2: Astronomy for Mental Health
The Astronomy for Mental Health flagship is focused on harnessing the inspirational potential of astronomy, and using it as a tool for improving people’s mental health and wellbeing. The overarching goal is to use astronomy to empower individuals and communities to reach their full potential.
The OAD’s flagship work is organised around four key areas: Resources, Training, Implementation, and Community. Together, these pillars form part of a dynamic ecosystem that provides the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to transform astronomy into a driver of positive change for individuals and communities across the globe.
Resources
We have developed a wide range of openly accessible resources to support individuals, organisations, and institutions in designing and implementing these flagship initiatives across the globe. These resources are intended not only to guide new entrants into the field but also to help existing practitioners broaden their offerings by incorporating astronomy into their activities.
In addition, the OAD has supported numerous initiatives through its Annual Call for Proposals. Many of these funded projects have generated practical outputs – such as training materials, toolkits, and multimedia content – that are made available for the wider community. Collectively, these outputs contribute to a growing global library of knowledge and practices that can inspire and inform future initiatives.
Case studies emerging from these projects are particularly valuable, as they document lessons learned, highlight innovative approaches, and provide guidance for developing best practices. They also demonstrate how astronomy can act as a catalyst for sustainable development.
By making these resources openly available, the OAD ensures that communities, practitioners, and decision-makers worldwide can access the tools they need to build initiatives that are impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.
Training
Capacity building is a central component of the flagship projects. The OAD recognises that in order to foster sustainable growth in this field, it is essential to equip individuals, communities, and institutions with the necessary knowledge and skills.
One of the primary tools for training is our free online course, which introduces participants to the fundamentals of each flagship and provides practical guidance for designing and implementing related initiatives. Beyond the courses, the OAD also facilitates in-person training delivered in collaboration with our network of partners and regional offices. These sessions combine theoretical instruction with experiential learning, enabling participants to apply their knowledge directly within their own contexts. Training programmes can also be co-developed and tailored to specific needs, ensuring relevance to local conditions, cultures, and aspirations.
In addition, training efforts are complemented by mentorship and peer-learning opportunities within the Community of Practice, where participants can continue to develop their expertise, share experiences, and access ongoing support.
Community
The Community of Practice is a dedicated space for collaboration, peer learning, and professional exchange. Our online platform, hosted on Discord, brings together diverse stakeholders, including astronomers, tourism operators, rural community members, educators, cultural practitioners, mental health professionals, and enthusiasts. By convening this broad network, the community fosters dialogue across disciplines and regions, creating opportunities for innovation and shared growth.
Members exchange resources, best practices, and case studies, while also collaborating on joint initiatives that promote sustainability and inclusivity. The platform serves not only as a hub for knowledge-sharing but also as a support system where members can seek guidance, mentorship, and inspiration from peers with similar interests and challenges.
Importantly, the community emphasises ethical and sustainable practices, encouraging members to follow evidence based practices, integrate local knowledge, respect cultural heritage, and minimise environmental impacts in their work. By nurturing these values, the Community of Practice helps ensure that astronomy acts as a tool for empowerment and development.
Implementation
Implementation is primarily achieved through the IAU OAD Annual Call for Proposals, which serves as a central mechanism for identifying, supporting, and scaling innovative projects around the world. Through this process, individuals and organisations are guided in the development of their proposals, benefiting from resources and advice provided by the OAD and its partners.
Once selected, projects receive not only financial support in the form of seed funding, but also structured assistance in monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability, effectiveness, and long-term impact. This systematic approach helps transform promising ideas into sustainable initiatives capable of creating lasting benefits for local communities.
Beyond the Annual Call, implementation is further supported by the OAD’s Regional Offices, which act as key facilitators of local engagement. These offices provide regional expertise, contextual understanding, and ongoing support to projects, ensuring that activities are rooted in the cultural, social, and economic realities of the communities they serve.
The OAD has developed Flagship Funds that will raise funding for the global implementation of these initiatives
Together, these structures enable the translation of global strategies into practical, locally relevant outcomes.
Astrotourism for Development
Resources: https://astrotourism.astro4dev.org/resources/
Training: https://astrotourism.astro4dev.org/online-course/
Community: https://astrotourism.astro4dev.org/community/
Fund: https://astrotourism.astro4dev.org/astrotourism-fund/
Astronomy for Mental Health
Resources: https://mentalhealth.astro4dev.org/resources
Training: https://mentalhealth.astro4dev.org/online-course/
Community: https://mentalhealth.astro4dev.org/community/
Fund: https://mentalhealth.astro4dev.org/mental-health-fund/