IAU - Office of Astronomy for Development

General information

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) adopted a strategic plan in 2009 that aims to realize the global developmental benefits of astronomy. In order to implement this plan, the IAU set out to establish the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). In July 2010, following a wide international call for potential host institutions, the IAU entered into a 5 year agreement with the National Research Foundation (NRF) to host the OAD at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa.

The OAD now exists as a global coordinating centre for “astronomy-for-development” activities, tasked with establishing and strategically coordinating Regional Nodes and Language Expertise Centers across the world. In 2012, the OAD launched three Task Forces consisting of international experts in their respective fields of specialization. These Task Forces are: Task Force 1: Astronomy for Universities and Research; Task Force 2: Astronomy for Children and Schools; and Task Force 3: Astronomy for the Public. The bulk of the implementation of projects is to be carried out by volunteers, coordinated by the members of the Task Forces with the support of the OAD, who will source the necessary funding and resources.