Welcome to the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development

The purpose of this office is to use astronomy to make the world a better place – and thus realise the vision of the IAU Strategic Plan

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the largest body of professional astronomers in the world and has set up the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) in partnership with the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). The OAD was officially opened on 16th April 2011 at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa. The first major workshop of stakeholders was held from 12 to 14 December 2011. Since then two Regional Nodes, one Language Expertise Centre and three Task Forces have been established. In 2012 the first open Call for Proposals was launched for each of the task forces: Universities and Research (TF1); Children and Schools (TF2); and Public Outreach (TF3). The funded projects for 2013 are currently under way.

While this website is still being developed, please refer to our regular reports in IAU bulletins for the history of OAD activities, specifically IB109, IB110 and IB111. For the latest information about the activities of this office, read the OAD Newsletter!