As we navigate these difficult times, we have been asking ourselves where and how sciences such as astronomy can contribute to the severe negative impacts of the global pandemic. Here on this page, we are gathering existing efforts by the OAD and the astronomy community, as well as opportunities for you to contribute.
Role of Astronomy in the Fight Against the COVID-19 Pandemic
Role of astronomy in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
Prepared by astronomer and OAD Fellow, Dr. Marie Korsaga.This information is not exhaustive and is changing all the time as more projects are embarked on. If you know of others, please write to us so we can keep this updated (email: Dr. Marie Korsaga ) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a [...]
Impact of COVID-19 Innovations on Development
Astronomer and OAD Fellow, Dr. Marie Korsaga, looks at how some of the tools and technologies being used to fight COVID-19 could be employed for long-term, positive impact on development in the post-Covid era. Contact her at: Dr. Marie Korsaga ) It is no doubt that COVID-19 has affected – and continues to affect – [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic: revealing the resilience of Africa and its great potential
This article is part of Dr Marie Korsaga’s work researching the contribution of non-medical scientists, in particular astronomers, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. A document detailing Dr Korsaga’s findings can be found here. “What’s the world going to be like after Covid-19?” This is the million-dollar question that many of us ask ourselves, [...]
Call to Action for the Astronomy Community in the time of COVID-19
A great strength of astronomy is its ability to inspire and connect with people from all backgrounds. Astronomy and space can be a source of education, entertainment, distraction, solace in this difficult time. Together with our sister offices the OAO and OAE we are crowdsourcing resources to help people cope with prolonged indoor times.
What does COVID mean for development? To help non-social scientists better understand the nature of the challenges and appreciate how their skills matter for development, we have published a number of resources written by our development economist fellow, Dr Tawanda Chingozha. We will continue to publish more in this series.
Course on Development Economics
Course on Introduction to Development Economics The purpose of this course is to impart some basic development economics knowledge for non-social scientists. It was developed by Dr. Tawanda Chingozha, development economist at the OAD. Please send your feedback on the course to tawanda at astro4dev.org. Download the course in PDF format.
Rethinking our future- understanding the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 (UNDESA webinar)
This article was written by Dr. Tawanda Chingozha, OAD Fellow on Development Economics, summarising the main points presented by a panel of experts during a UNDESA webinar on 9 April 2020. Powerpoint presentation and Webinar recording The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) of The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has spearheaded efforts to translate astronomy [...]
Q & A with a Development Economist: Natural Scientists in Development
Since 2011, the Office of Astronomy for Development has been on a mission to stimulate the use of astronomy, including its techniques, technologies, infrastructure, and people, towards sustainable development. Astronomy, like a number of other fields of science and technology, possesses skills and strengths that can help tackle some of the most pressing challenges in [...]
OVERVIEW The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a science organization working on promoting different ways in which astronomy may impact development. The Covid-19 pandemic represents enormous challenges across society. Just as there is so much about this novel disease that bio-medical, medical, epidemiological and other scientists do [...]
The new economy post Covid-19 - A Production Possibilities Frontier (PPF) View
Across the world, a “new economy” post the Covid-19 pandemic is the buzzword. Governments, policy-makers, scientists, researchers and other stakeholders agree that things may never be the same, at least in the short to medium term. A United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs (UNDESA) webinar on the 9th of April 2020 noted that [...]
Can the world run out of good people?
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic social media and the internet have been inundated with conspiracies around Covid-19’s origin, whether or not communities should accept vaccines that will be developed among other stories. In almost all the cases attempts are made to convince the reader, listener or viewer of this huge international power grab [...]
Better days will come, like for those before us
This article discusses future benefits of the current investments in vaccines and public health strengthening. It draws parallels between the COVID-19 crisis we face today to previous crises and how solidarity and investment in public administration capacity influenced a global economic boom. The article makes the case that by taking cues from those [...]
Extraordinary Call for COVID-19 related Proposals
Anyone can submit a proposal that applies an aspect of astronomy to support people and help mitigate some of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This call is for projects that need to be implemented soon (starting June-July 2020)
This is the regular annual call for proposals, but this year proposers need to consider how the pandemic will affect their project. Anyone can submit a proposal that applies astronomy in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. This call is for projects that begin implementation in 2021.
