CALL FOR PROPOSALS
for projects relating to Task Force 3: Astronomy for the Public
to be implemented in the 2013 Calendar Year
1.Introduction
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) established the global Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). The purpose of the OAD is to use astronomy and its inspirational aspects to make the world a better place. This vision is described in the IAU 10 year Strategic Plan, which aims to realise the global developmental benefits of astronomy. More information about the OAD and its activities can be found at www.astro4dev.org
The OAD is tasked with establishing and strategically coordinating Regional Nodes (ROADs) and Language Expertise Centres (LOADs) across the world as well as three Task Forces, namely (i) Astronomy for Universities and Research, (ii) Astronomy for Children and Schools, and (iii) Astronomy for the Public. The bulk of the implementation of projects is to be carried out by volunteers, coordinated by the Task Forces with the support of the OAD, who will provide funding.
Task Force 3 (Astronomy for the Public) was established in May 2012 and is now calling for projects relevant to this area of astronomy for development.
2.Call for Proposals
The IAU has earmarked a minimum of €80 000 to support projects and activities related to all three Task Forces. Task Force 3 now issues an open call for proposals to access this funding. Proposals which are not funded through this process but which are ranked by the Task Force to be significantly important will go onto a “wish list” for which the OAD will continue fundraising efforts.
In general proposals should seek to align with the IAU’s 10 year strategic plan, with specific focus on Astronomy for the Public. Some examples of such activities are given in the Appendix below
All proposals should be submitted via the Application Form which can be downloaded below. Projects will be funded for one calendar year but can be planned for longer. The funding cycle is annual and proposers can reapply.
3.Funding Conditions
i.We invite proposals for projects with a budget of around €1000 – €5000 (some flexibility is allowed)
ii.Only completed application forms will be considered
iii.Successful applicants will be required to provide bank account details through which the award will be paid
iv.Proposals judged worthwhile that cannot be funded immediately are kept on a ‘wish list’, for which the OAD will continue fundraising efforts
4.Selection Criteria
The following criteria will be considered in the selection of projects:
i.Alignment with the goals of IAU’s 10 year strategic plan
ii.Quality and relevance of content
iii.Innovativeness and creativity of approach
iv.Clear timeline indicators
v.Cost effectiveness of the project including a detailed budget
vi.Potential to raise funds from other sources
vii.Range of stakeholder participation (e.g. partnerships with universities/industry/government)
viii.Degree of impact of the project with potential for sustainability
5.Proposal Evaluation
The proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the Task Force Management Team (listed here: https://www.astro4dev.org/index.php/taskforces) and recommendations submitted to the IAU Development Oversight Committee. Allocations will be made based on the TF Management Team recommendations.
6.Proposal Requirements
All proposals must be submitted in completed application forms and sent by email to proposals@astro4dev.org. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the proposal has been received in order by the OAD. All proposals received will be acknowledged by email.
7.Closing Date
The deadline for submitting proposals is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 30th September 2012.
All applicants will receive feedback during December 2012 for projects to be implemented in the 2013 calendar year.
8.Enquiries:
Please direct enquiries to Kevin Govender (Director OAD), preferably by email at kg@astro4dev.org. Alternative contact information:
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 460 6297; Fax: +27 (0) 21 447 3639; Mobile: +27 (0) 82 487 8466; Website: www.astro4dev.org; Skype: kevindran; Twitter: @govender; Postal address: P.O. Box 9, Observatory, 7935, South Africa; Physical address: SAAO, Observatory Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa.
Appendix: Some Examples of Projects
i.Journalist/blogger/communicator and amateur training
ii.Citizen science projects
iii.Develop/Identify models for good outreach activities (adapt successful projects)
iv.Vetting of amateur astronomers
v.Guidelines on using Traditional/Cultural astronomy for outreach and addressing false beliefs such as the Mayan “end of the world” misconception
vi.Establish evolving list of existing celebrations
vii.Astro-tourism activities
viii.Astrophotography
ix.Outreach awards
x.Mobile planetaria
xi.Conduct study (with partners) on economic impact of astronomy
xii.Establish evaluation guidelines e.g. build on IYA2009; FETTU experiences
xiii.Volunteer peer-review of public-level resources (Writers of popular astronomy resources can volunteer to submit their resources for peer review and get an IAU seal of approval. Editorial board to be set up by TF3)
xiv.Creation of images and multimedia resources for OAD activities (Use our volunteers’ skills to reinforce IAU OAD resources when needed)
xv.Stargazing events and telescope making workshops and similar activities – astronomy festivals.
xvi.Any other relevant project which may not be mentioned here
Downloads:
TF3 Call for Proposals 2012 (.pdf)
TF3 Application Form 2012 (.pdf)
TF3 Application Form 2012 (.doc)
Although English is the working language of the OAD, we will be happy to arrange translations of the call and documents if you need it. Please contact Kevin Govender (kg@astro4dev.org) if you would like to request a translation
Même si l’anglais est la langue utilisée au bureau d’astronomie pour le développement (OAD), nous mettons volontiers à disposition des traductions des documents d’appel d’offre si vous en avez besoin. Veuillez prendre contact avec Kevin Govender (kg@astro4dev.org) si vous avez besoin d’une traduction.
Aunque la OAD trabaja mayoritariamente en inglés, nos ofrecemos a organizar traducciones para la convocatoria de propuestas y documentos relacionados. Para solicitar una traducción, por favor póngase en contacto con Kevin Govender (kg@astro4dev.org).
Несмотря на то, что рабочим языком для OAD является английский, мы готовы организовать перевод документов, если Вы нуждаетесь в этом. Пожалуйста, свяжитесь с Kevin Govender <kg@astro4dev.org>, если Вам необходим перевод документов
虽然英语是OAD的工作语言，但是如果您需要翻译成所需语言的文件，我们将很高兴为您提供翻译服务。如果需要翻译，请用电子邮件与Kevin Govender联系 (kg@astro4dev.org)。
على الرغم من أن اللغة الإنجليزية هي لغة العمل فيOAD، إلا أننا سنكون سعداء
بالقيام بترجمة الدعوة والوثائق إذا كنت في حاجة إليها.
يرجى الاتصال بـ كيفين غوفيندر (Kevin Govender kg@astro4dev.org) إذا كنت ترغب في طلب ترجمة.
Embora Inglês seja a língua oficial do OAD, traduções para Português do formulário e das regras podem ser requisitadas. através do email kg@astro4dev.org