STAGE 1 RESULTS ANNOUNCED
NEXT CALL FOR PROPOSALS IN APRIL 2024

Deadline for Stage 1 is end of day May 31, 2023 (midnight UTC-12). As long as it is May 31 somewhere in the world, we will continue to accept applications

Download this page as PDF. If you need support for accessibility, please write to us at info@astro4dev.org.

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 us at info@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 info@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 info@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 info@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，请用电子邮件与何金华联系 (info@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 info@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 info@astro4dev.org.

 

Kindly read through all the information presented here before proceeding to the application form. This call for proposals is for projects to be implemented in 2024.

• INTRODUCTION
• WHAT IS ASTRONOMY FOR DEVELOPMENT ?
• BEFORE YOU APPLY
• APPLICATION PROCESS
• SELECTION
• TIMELINE
• APPLY ONLINE
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

The global Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is a joint partnership between the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) with the support of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The mission of the OAD is to further the use of astronomy, in all its aspects, as a tool for development.

One of the primary ways the OAD implements its mission is through the Call for Proposals, which have been conducted annually since 2012. Every year, the OAD invites proposals for projects that use astronomy as a tool to address one or more challenges related to sustainable development. The call for proposals is open to anyone from anywhere in the world*.  The OAD Call for Proposals is conducted in two stages, where only a limited number of proposals from Stage 1 will be invited to submit a Stage 2 proposal.

*due to international sanctions, we are unable to send money to certain countries. Please contact us if you are unsure about your country.

WHAT IS ASTRONOMY FOR DEVELOPMENT ?

At the OAD, we work towards development through astronomy-based interventions executed as IAU-OAD funded projects. Our development goals are framed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of globally adopted priorities to end poverty, preserve the planet and promote peace and prosperity for all. Astronomy for Development or Astro4Dev, thus, has different objectives than the sole development or advancement of the field of astronomy itself.

Astronomy for Development, as the name implies, involves the fields of both astronomy and development. Thus, due consideration needs to be given to the guidance and involvement of experts in development and related fields. This is especially critical in our current time with the complex impacts of COVID-19.

“Astronomy for Development is about PEOPLE, not the STARS”

The OAD does not fund astronomy or astrophysics research or activities whose primary aim is to promote the field of astronomy. If you are interested in such activities, we encourage you to visit the websites of the relevant IAU structures.

• International Astronomical Union (IAU): Astronomy, astrophysics, and related scientific activities, https://www.iau.org/
  • Funding for scientific symposia: https://www.iau.org/science/meetings/rules/
• IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO): astronomy outreach, public engagement, and astronomy communication, https://www.iau.org/public/oao/
  • Outreach grants for National Outreach Coordinators: https://www.iau.org/public/oao/nocs_funding/
• IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE): astronomy education at school level, https://www.astro4edu.org/
  • Teacher training grants for National Astronomy Education Coordinators: https://www.astro4edu.org/ttp/
• IAU Office for Young Astronomers (OYA): astronomy training at university level, https://www.iau.org/training/office_for_young_astronomers/
  • International School for Young Astronomers: https://www.iau.org/training/school_for_young_astronomers/
• IAU Hands-on Workshops: Grants to train young scientists in developing countries in accessing, analysing and using data for research projects. https://www.iau.org/training/iau-hands-on-workshops/

The OAD works closely with our sister IAU Offices mentioned above. But the OAD itself is primarily concerned with development and not education, research or outreach. For the OAD call for proposals, we are specifically looking for projects that will have a positive impact on sustainable development. Please note that projects may still utilize astronomy outreach or education based activities as long as they are in pursuit of clear development goals. Proposals for education or outreach activities without a compelling case for development are not funded through this call.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Courses & Resources

Before you apply, please visit the “Getting Started” section that provides the background on Astronomy for Development, resources and links to assist you with project design, monitoring, evidence and evaluation etc. You can take the free online course on Astronomy for Development designed to provide a helping hand to anyone who intends to submit a proposal. We have also published a short course on ‘’Introduction to Development Economics’’ for those who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding.

You can also search through the past projects funded by the OAD to learn about the work done around the world, to check if your idea has been tried by anyone before, and to find resources developed by other projects which could potentially be used for your project.

• List of projects (A-Z)
• Projects search
• Search resources produced by past projects

Getting Started with an OAD Proposal

Learn More

Course on Astro4dev Project Design

Learn More

Course on Introduction to Development Economics for non social scientists

Learn More

Support to proposers:

Although our calls for proposals are open to anyone, we understand that not everyone has training or experience in writing proposals. A potential applicant can request

1. Proposal writing support: Applicants will be matched up with an astronomer or other expert with experience in writing proposals. The expert will guide and advise the applicant on the proposal structure and language.
2. Translation support: We welcome proposals from people in different countries but due to practical constraints, we only accept applications in English. If that is not your first language or if you do not feel comfortable writing a proposal in English, you can contact us to request translation support. In this case, your proposal will be translated to English exactly as you have written it in your language.

We depend on volunteers to provide the above forms of support. Hence, we cannot guarantee these services (it will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis). Neither can we provide assurance of selection if you avail this support. If you require assistance, please contact us at info@astro4dev.org by May 14 so we may make suitable arrangements.

More information

Eligibility:

Please verify that you agree to/abide by the following before beginning your application. Contact us at info@astro4dev.org in case of queries.

• The proposed project should address a problem or challenge related to development and the project should use Astronomy as a tool to address this problem.
• The OAD encourages applications from groups that have not received funding from us in the past
• The OAD encourages applications from regions and countries where projects have not been funded. Please see a map of our project locations.
• Previously funded and completed projects or previous grant holders should have completed all reporting requirements, where applicable.
• One or more project deliverables should be ready by the end of the implementation year; proposals are welcome for projects that run over several years (max of 3 years), although funds will only be released annually according to the proposed budget per year and subject to a review of progress.
• All distributable project resources, materials, etc. should be released to the public under an appropriate license (e.g.Creative Commons) allowing free use and adaptation, unless otherwise agreed with the OAD.
• Proposers should be able to provide a verified bank account through which funds can be paid if the project is selected for funding.
• All projects should adhere to the Principle of Universality of Science as defined by the International Science Council (previously ICSU), of which the IAU is a member.
• Projects should also adhere to the IAU Code of Conduct which includes policies on ethics and anti-harassment best practices. The code of conduct should be made available to participants of all IAU funded activities.
• All project team members listed in the proposal should have discussed the proposal and committed to executing the project. The project team should be prepared to provide verification of qualifications and/or reference letters if requested by the OAD.
• The proposers should obtain all necessary permissions and authorizations, as required by their national and local laws, to carry out their work, such as written parental consent when working with minors, permission to use copyrighted material, permission for gatherings etc.
• The project team, in consultation with the OAD, should set the expected outcomes and deliverables and corresponding measurement methods in order to determine the impact
• Proposals should be submitted via the online Application Form. All proposals received will be acknowledged by email. Contact us at info@astro4dev.org if you do not receive an email confirmation of your application. If you are unable to submit the proposal online for any reason, you may contact us at info@astro4dev.org at least a week before the deadline to arrange for an alternative submission method. This includes anyone with visual or other impairments who may require assistance.
• Application forms should be complete and received at the OAD before the deadline.

APPLICATION

Two Stage Application:

The Call for Proposals is divided into two stages of application. The first stage is open to everyone while only selected proposals from Stage 1 will be invited to Stage 2. Detailed information is provided below for the Stage 1 process; more information for Stage 2 will be provided after the end of Stage 1 in August 2023.

Stage 1:

The Stage 1 call for proposals is open to proposers from anywhere* in the world. Projects can be proposed by a single person or by a team of people (given the real-world nature of projects, interdisciplinary teams are encouraged with relevant social scientists). Proposers submit a brief, online application with the key aspects of their project or idea. Proposals will be scored by the OAD review panel based on a set of defined criteria (see below).

Around 30 proposals will be selected from the Stage 1 applications and the proposers invited to submit a Stage 2 proposal. In addition, each of the eleven IAU Regional and Language Offices will nominate any one proposal from their region to be invited to Stage 2. All proposals will receive brief feedback from the reviewers.

* We may unfortunately be unable to send money to some countries under international sanctions. Please contact us at info@astro4dev.org if you are not sure about your country.

Stage 2:

Selected proposals will be invited to Stage 2 during which the proposers will work with the OAD on their application. As a first step, the proposers will be asked to submit a draft Stage 2 application, accessible to the OAD team, the Regional Offices, and invited external experts, all of whom will help refine the proposal. The draft application will not be available to the review panel, who will eventually evaluate the applications.

The Regional Offices will be able to suggest ways of improving a proposal to be locally relevant, thus ensuring support from possible local collaborators who could strengthen the project. The OAD, alongside the Regional Offices, will check whether the projects are truly innovative (checking previously funded OAD projects and other initiatives addressing similar concerns) and/or whether the project idea is supported by current evidence. The OAD and Regional Offices may suggest potential collaborators if applicable. External experts, consulted by the OAD where necessary, would provide useful additional guidance on the assessment of projects, including a perspective on which projects are most likely to make an impact on development.

Based on the discussions with OAD and the Regional Offices, proposers modify their Stage 2 applications and submit them online by the final deadline. An independent review panel then scores these modified Stage 2 proposals and makes the recommendations on the projects to be funded and the funding amounts for each project. Upon approval by the OAD Steering Committee, all applicants are notified of the results.

 

Grant:

The IAU has earmarked a total amount of  €120,000 for this 2023 call for proposals. In the past, individual project grants have ranged from 1000 Euros to 15,000 Euros with an average grant of around 5000 Euros per project.

What can the grant be used for:

Projects are encouraged to spend most of the grant directly on beneficiaries (target audience) and/or resources developed. In particular,

• Salaries are typically not funded but stipends are possible if they are well justified
• Transport and accommodation costs of organisers and participants must be justified
• Administrative fees, such institutional overheads, must be justified
• When targeting children, projects can budget for meals and snacks, in accordance with relevant health, safety and cultural considerations.

Budget guidelines:

• At stage 1, a brief budget is required with the top 3-4 highest expense items together with a description of each item
• At stage 2, a detailed budget must be submitted listing all the costs associated with the project (not only for the amount funded by the OAD)
• For transport costs, please include details such as the number of people and approximate distance
• For accommodation costs, please include the number of people x number of days x cost per day
• For stipends, please include the number of people x number of hours x cost per hour

All projects should consider their liability in running activities and make suitable indemnity provisions where possible.

 

Project Duration:

Typically, OAD projects run for 1 year – beginning in January or February of the year following the call for proposals. For this call, selected projects are expected to start in January or February 2024 (the grant will be paid by that time) and complete by January or February 2025. Projects can request a no-cost extension if there are unavoidable circumstances that cause delays.

The OAD is also soliciting proposals for multi-year projects (up to 3 years). These are projects that, by design, need longer than a year for implementation. This does not apply to multiple implementations or replication of the same project idea in different years. For example, a project that plans to organize astronomy events or workshops cannot apply for a multi-year grant in order to host the same events in multiple years.

Multi-year proposals should address the entire duration of the project with a yearly breakdown of budget, timeline, and deliverables. Funds for selected projects will be released on an annual basis subject to a performance review by the OAD. Brief, annual reports will be requested for this purpose.

 

Themes:

From the experience of funding 200 projects (and reviewing more than 1000 proposals) since 2013, and with input from the regional offices around the world, the OAD has identified Flagship projects that encapsulate the idea of astronomy for development, and which have the potential for global roll-out. Therefore, these Flagships are included as Themes in the call for proposals. Other themes cover gaps or issues relating to current global challenges, such as the current COVID pandemic.

The themes for this call are:

1. Sustainable, local socio-economic development through Astronomy 

This Flagship aims to use an astronomical facility, such as an observatory or planetarium, as a “hub” within a small town or village to stimulate various associated socio-economic benefits for the local community. Benefits could include job creation through astronomy-related tourism; community skills development; educational programmes; stimulation of local innovation; alternative activities for youth in order to keep away from negative/harmful activities; and infrastructure development. The establishment of such a facility in close collaboration with relevant government, industry, academic and development partners, including local and traditional leadership, will ensure the sustainability of the initiative.

More information

2. Science diplomacy through Astronomy: Celebrating our Common Humanity

Astronomy brings us a perspective of the beauty and scale of the universe. Most famously, Carl Sagan used this perspective to try to positively influence how people interact with their fellow human beings, and our planet, through his description of the earth as a “pale blue dot”. This project aims to take the inspiring potential of astronomy and use it to stimulate a sense of tolerance and common humanity in all parts of the world. An OAD Fellow is currently exploring the potential of using astronomy for mental health.

More information

3. Knowledge and Skills for Development

This flagship focuses on the use of skills such as data handling, data analysis and machine learning, as well as computing technologies/infrastructure widely used in astronomy, to tackle development challenges. This may be executed in the form of educational programmes,  hackathons, competitions or other original interventions that focus on skills and technology transfer.

More information

4. Technology from astronomy

Fundamental research in astronomy has led to breakthrough innovations that have found use in other fields from medicine to energy to aerospace. Some examples are listed in this article on the IAU website. Under this flagship, we are looking for projects that intend to develop prototypes that apply astronomy methodologies and tools to tackle a development challenge.

It is not a requirement that your project aligns with one of the above themes. 

Proposals may also overlap with more than one theme but we request you to choose the primary or most significant theme. For more information and queries on the themes, please contact us at info@astro4dev.org.

SELECTION

All applications submitted by the deadline will be anonymized by the OAD and sent to the independent review panel for evaluation.

Selection Criteria:

Selection Criterion	Corresponding questions in the application form (guideline only – information relating to a particular criterion may come from other questions also)	Scoring
Challenge	5. Which countries will your project target? 12 a. Describe the developmental challenge you aim to address in this project 12 b. To which of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will your project respond ? Choose up to 3 SDGs	Does the proposal aim to solve one or more development challenges in the target location?
Solution	8 a. Have you or any of your team members submitted this same idea in a past call for proposal? If Yes, briefly describe the idea? 8 c. Are you building upon previous work, done either by you or others ? If Yes, please provide more details or a link to the project. 9 a. Are you applying for a multi-year project? 9 b. Please justify the need for a multi-year project 10. Will your proposal be a pilot project for one of the below Theme(s)? 11. Project Summary 12 c. How will you achieve your goals using Astronomy?	Is it an innovative idea or suitably building upon past work? Is it multi-year and if so, appropriate? Does it align with one or more Flagship Themes? Is there a clear solution and plan that uses astronomy?
Outcomes & Deliverables	13 a. What are the intended Deliverables of your project? 13 b. What are the intended Outcomes of your project?	Are the deliverables and outcomes clearly defined and suitable?
People	6. In which languages will your project be delivered and/or written? 7 a. Choose the primary target audience for your project 7 b. How will you ensure a diverse audience for your project? 7 c. Comment on the qualifications, experience, and diversity of your team.	Is the project targeting the right audience and using the appropriate languages? Is the project team well qualified? Is diversity of project team and audience taken into consideration?
Finance	8 b. Have you received funding from the IAU (OAD or OAE or OAO or other) for this idea? 14 a. b. c. Budget	Does the budget make sense? Have they received funding in the past from IAU?
Reviewer overall score	15. Why should we fund your project? Overall impression	What is the overall impression?

 

Additional evaluation criteria for multi-year projects:

Any multi-year projects selected will be funded on an annual basis subject to a performance review by the OAD. These projects will be requested to submit the following information at the time of the annual performance review:

• summary of project activities in the preceding year
• list of team members and partners
• details of target audience 
• final deliverables for the year
• resources produced
• SDGs impacted (with justification)
• outcomes for the year
• external funding obtained
• changes in plans for the following year

If the annual performance review is not satisfactory, the OAD reserves the right to not continue funding a multi-year project. 

Multi-year projects will also be required to set up dedicated evaluation structures and protocols to track project outcomes and impact over several years. The OAD can help arrange support for such evaluation. More information will be requested in the Stage 2 application.