The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the largest professional society of astronomers worldwide, is launching an astronomy-based initiative, through its Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), to drive entrepreneurship and support mental health. Termed the “Flagship Ecosystem”, the initiative will offer a wide range of support to people from around the world to engage in astronomy to promote sustainable development.
The IAU OAD promotes the use of astronomy, including scientific outputs, infrastructure, and resources, for societal benefit. The OAD coordinates programmes that leverage astronomy’s multidisciplinarity, cutting-edge innovation, and deep cultural connections, towards positive impact on communities. The OAD was established in 2011 as a partnership between the IAU and the South African National Research Foundation with the support of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Since then, the IAU has invested in 236 projects across 112 countries, deploying 1.4 Million Euros in grants. Examples include astrotourism to generate livelihoods in rural areas, astronomy STEM workshops and mentorship to reduce school dropout rates among girls, astronomy education programmes to inspire displaced communities, training for teachers to improve delivery of STEM subjects, and remote telescopes to establish low-cost labs for science training at universities, to name a few.
The “Flagship Ecosystem” comprises open access resources (guidelines, research), training (free online courses), communities of practice (Discord, mailing lists), and implementation support (grants programme, monitoring and evaluation support). Projects will initially target the high rates of youth unemployment and the increasing burden of mental health through astrotourism and astronomy for mental health.
- Resources: The OAD has developed openly accessible resources to support individuals, organisations, and institutions in designing and implementing projects 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. Case studies will document lessons learned, highlight innovative approaches, and provide guidance for developing best practices.
- Training: Free online courses will introduce participants to the fundamentals, thereby lowering barriers to entry, and offer practical guidance for designing and implementing related initiatives.
- Community: The community of practice is a dedicated space for collaboration, peer learning, and professional exchange. It brings together diverse stakeholders, including astronomers, tourism operators, rural community members, educators, cultural practitioners, mental health professionals, and enthusiasts for dialogue across disciplines and regions, creating opportunities for innovation and shared growth. 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.
- Implementation: Primarily achieved through the IAU OAD annual call for proposals, individuals and organisations will be guided in the development of their ideas, benefiting from resources and advice provided by the OAD and its partners. Selected projects receive seed funding and structured assistance in monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability, effectiveness, and long-term impact
Entrepreneurs, youth, and passionate changemakers are invited to complete these courses, and apply astronomy and science to create a better world.
Launch Details
08:30am UTC to 09:00am UTC
Friday, September 26
Speakers
Prof Willy Benz, IAU President
Dr Joyful Mdhluli, Flagships Coordinator
Duduzile Kubheka, BRICS Astronomy Coordinator
Further information
IAU OAD Flagships Ecosystem: https://astro4dev.org/flagships-ecosystem/
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/
About the International Astronomical Union:
The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together about 13,000 distinguished astronomers from around the world. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body for astronomers.
About the Office of Astronomy for Development:
The IAU established the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) in partnership with the South African National Research Foundation (NRF), supported by the South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI). The OAD aims to help further the use of astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructures, as a tool for development.
Contact
Ramasamy Venugopal,
Operations and Communications,
IAU Office of Astronomy for Development,
South African Astronomical Observatory,
Cape Town.
Email: rv@astro4dev.org
Phone: +27 607763832