The OAD team played a pivotal role in organizing the IAU-GA 2024, with our director and deputy director serving as chair and vice-chair of the national organizing committee, and other OAD team members also making significant contributions. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of this landmark event. In addition to their contributions, the OAD hosted the IAU Office Institutional Meeting and a networking event.
OAD Institutional Meeting – 08 August 2024
The OAD Institutional Meeting was held during the first week of the IAU General Assembly on 8 August 2024.
The first session was opened by the Director of the OAD, Kevin Govender, and featured a presentation by the IAU President, Prof. Debra Elmegreen, titled “Astronomy for a Better World: Reflections on the OAD.” Members of the OAD team gave presentations highlighting OAD activities and various flagship programs, including Astrotourism, Astronomy for Mental Health, and Hack4dev. During this session, short presentations were given by representatives of some previously funded projects through the OAD Annual Call for proposals.
The second session was chaired by the Deputy Director of the OAD, Dr. Charles Takalana, and featured the OAD’s regional and language offices. To amplify the impact of the OAD’s work, 11 Regional Offices and Language Centres around the world, which share the OAD’s vision but focus their activities within a specific geographic, cultural, or language region, were established. The session provided an opportunity for representatives of the various offices to highlight activities of each office.
Understanding the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations, the final session, chaired by the OAD Flagship Coordinator, Dr. Joyful Mdhluli, featured talks from different disciplines. Invited speakers Dr. Ashley Cooper, a licensed mental health counselor, and Prof. George Miley, presented on “Astronomy and the Reduction of Anxiety: Digestible Astrophysics and Immersive Experiences” and “Exploitation of Radio Interferometers for Capacity Building – Towards the LOFAR Global Citizenship Radio Array – ‘GLORAY’,” respectively.
In addition to the engaging lineup of talks, the OAD hosted two poster sessions throughout 8 August, allowing participants from around the world to showcase their work. These posters covered a broad range of topics, including OAD-funded projects, as well as projects from the regional and language offices.
Networking event – 12 August 2024
During the second week of the conference (12 August 2024), the OAD organized a networking event to connect its network, including sister organizations (OAO, OAE, OYA and CPS), project reviewers, regional and language offices, and previously funded project recipients. Additionally, the Southern Africa Regional Office (SAROAD) celebrated its 10-year anniversary during the event.
IAU Offices and Centre Sessions – 09 and 12 August 2024
The IAU Offices and Centre hosted joint sessions during the GA, one took place on 09 August 2024 and a plenary on 12 August 2024.
