Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), India is one of the leading research institutes in astronomy/astrophysics globally. IUCAA also has a well renowed program of public outreach and education (SciPop). Since our establishment, OAD and IUCAA have enjoyed close ties. This partnership paves way for specific collaborations in capacity development along education, development and outreach. 

Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), UK encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS and OAD have partnered to establish or nurture research, educational and/or development related collaborations between the UK and countries where astronomy research is not well established.

Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) in support of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications is a global non-governmental, non-profit (US 501(c)3) organisation and network which aims to represent university students and young space professionals ages 18-35 to the United Nations, space agencies, industry, and academia. Both OAD and SGAC have common goals in strengthening global networks in space and astronomy and developing capacity in STEM fields. 

Development of Africa through Radio Astronomy (DARA) is a joint UK — South Africa Newton funded project that uses radio astronomy training to develop high level technical skills in young graduates. The partnership is an implementation of the astronomy-for-development concept and involves collaboration at both strategy and project evaluation levels. In 2018, DARA funded six astronomy for development projects and these were carried out by DARA participants.

International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA)  – The IVOA was formed in June 2002 and aims to facilitate international coordination and collaboration in tools, systems and organizational structures for astronomical archives. The IVOA now comprises 20 Virtual Observatory programmes from Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Europe, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States and an inter-governmental organization (ESA).  The purpose of the partnership is to bring together the complementary resources and expertise of the IVOA and the OAD to advance the application of astronomical data and/or technology use in different areas of society, most notably for education, development and public outreach.

DARA Big Data (DARA) – The Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) Big Data Project is funded by the United Kingdom Newton Fund via the Science and Technologies Facilities Council, and aims to develop big data skills using radio astronomy in SKA African partner countries. Through a partnership with DARA Big Data, the OAD hosts a fellow, Dr Nikhita Madhanpall,  who is working on hackathons that expose students and young people to big data and machine learning in both astronomy and development-related contexts.

African Astronomical Society (AfAS)  – The African Astronomical Society was established in 2011, and is the voice of professional astronomy on the African continent. The purpose of the partnership between the OAD and AfAS is to provide and maximise a network of astronomy practitioners on the African continent, to respond rapidly to special events and to work together to implement and safeguard the legacy of the first General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union to be held on the African continent in 2024.

The OAD is always open to partnerships with other organisations wishing to be proactive in the area of science for development. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.If your organisation wishes to partner with the OAD, contact us!