IAU Office of Astronomy for Development

We will be hosting a special session at the 2026 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference next week in Botswana hosted by Botswana International University of Science & Technology. The session will bring together our project leaders and partners to reflect on the impact of astronomy for development initiatives across the continent. It will highlight successful African projects, explore practical lessons learned, and provide a platform for strengthening collaboration and continental networks. We will also run a short OAD Proposal Development Workshop, aimed at guiding potential applicants through the OAD funding process https://lnkd.in/diRYthRQ

(a late) Welcome to our 2026 Astro4dev projects cohort! Naftali Kimani at Kenyatta University will train young scientists with high-value technical skills in data science and 'astropreneurship' to bridge the gap between academic research and the labor market. Thelma Akyea's project in Canada will use astronomy as a tool to build confidence, positive identity, and strong leadership among black girls who are historically underrepresented in the field. Otto Trust's team at Mbarara University of Science & Technology will tackle refugee youth wellbeing by combining astronomy, storytelling, and creative learning into trauma-sensitive, peer-led activities. Maximiliano Bandres and his team will develop a community planetarium in Antímano, a vulnerable neighbourhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Other projects will strengthen local tourism ecosystems in rural Greece and Tanzania; challenge barriers to science for the deaf community in Mexico, and children with intellectual disabilities in Egypt; and more. The International Astronomical Union and DARA - Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy are investing in 18 new projects this year. All projects will receive seed grants to promote sustainable development through astronomy-based activities. Welcome to all the teams - we look forward to making an impact with all of you. --------------------- Alshaimaa Hassanin - Astronomy for All: Inspiring kids of Determination, Egypt Thelma Akyea - Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy, Canada Sheikh Samia Akter Sami - EcoAstroBD: Nurturing Knowledge, Creativity, and Environmental Responsibility Through Astronomy, Bangladesh Eugene Anibe Idogbe - Astronomy Training for Secondary School Science Teachers, Nigeria Marcela Best - Siguiendo la Cruz del Sur (Following the Southern Cross), Chile Boniface Ndinya - Inspiring STEM Engagement through Astronomy Programs, Kenya Anaely Pacheco Blanco - enSEÑAme astronomía, Mexico Facundo Rodriguez - Right to the Sky, Argentina Otto Trust - Astronomy to Support Mental Well-being in Uganda’s Refugee Camps Margarita Metaxa - Community Astrotourism through the ARTEMIS Space Observatory, Greece Maximiliano Bandres Diaz - Community Planetarium for Sustainable Development, Venezuela Min Zaw Moe - Kalaw Astro Youth Camp, Myanmar David Tan - Starry Safaris, Tanzania Naftali Kimani - East African Astronomical Society Workshop Dimakatso Maheso - Bridging the gap between High School and University, South Africa Monique Garden BLUE ICE PRODUCTIONS INC - Astro Tourism for Development, South Africa Jive Lubbungu - Indigenous Astronomy in Climate Change Adaptation, Zambia Sibonelo Voyi - STELLAR Integrated STEM Awareness & Innovation Programme, mostly South Africa

3 hours to design an impact project. That was the challenge we presented to students at the annual DARA networking meeting. Alongside Charles Takalana, PhD and Nikhita Madhanpall, I guided honour's and master's students in exploring ways to create impact through astronomy and space. This was my second year running this session, and for the second time, I was amazed by the innovative projects that emerged in such a short time. Teams were from Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana. Some of the standout ideas included: - A training and business hub for unemployed science and engineering graduates - A predictive ML tool that utilises satellite data to study the expansion of water bodies - An affordable astronomy park to encourage participation in science These projects reaffirm that it takes minimal resources to nurture talent effectively. For those interested in hosting a similar workshop for your staff and students, please reach out. Additionally, all projects now have the opportunity to apply for a seed grant through the DARA - Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy - IAU Office of Astronomy for Development proposals. Thanks to DARA for the opportunity, and the passionate students for working hard to change the world. [astronomy, physics, science, development, space, satellites, students, grants]