OAD Fellowships

The IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) seeks inspired individuals from any relevant background for its fellowship program.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU), in partnership with the South African National Research Foundation (NRF), established the global Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa.  The OAD exists as a global coordinating centre for “astronomy-for-development” activities, tasked with establishing and strategically coordinating Regional Offices and Language Expertise Centers across the world and implementing an annual call for proposals as well as global flagship projects. The OAD seeks inspired individuals from any relevant background for its remote fellowship, who will help continue the realization of the vision “Astronomy for a better world”.

OAD Fellowships are usually awarded in cases where a person’s existing voluntary contributions to the OAD are evaluated to be at an exceptional level and the Fellowship is used to complete a specific project. However, the OAD also welcomes proposals from individuals not previously associated with the work of the Office but who demonstrate the enthusiasm and potential to contribute to the vision of the OAD. A Fellowship grant will be awarded in the form of a once-off payment for remote fellowships, or a monthly stipend for on-site Fellowships. The amount of the grant will depend on the project or activity that the individual will be working on, as well as their qualifications and agreed time commitment.

Interested individuals should get in touch and brainstorm with us about a project of their choice. Selection will be based on an individual’s skills, motivation and potential to complete the project during their time at the OAD. The OAD issues calls for fellows every couple of years but individuals are also welcome to apply anytime. Below are examples of projects in previous calls and background of past fellows.

Previous calls

Call for Fellows, Interns, Volunteers 2023

Call for Remote Fellowships 2021

Past Fellows at the OAD

You can find profiles on the OAD Team page.