Special Session SS37  28 June 2022

Astronomy for Development

Aims and scope

In the last decade, the IAU has set up the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and created a network of 11 regional offices throughout the world to use astronomy as a tool for international development and contribute to achieving the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). The European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (E-ROAD) was established at Leiden in 2018 as a partnership between the European Astronomical Society and Leiden University. In the last year, the E-ROAD has grown substantially. The community is growing with national representatives now appointed in 19 European countries.

Because of its links with fundamental science, advanced technology and human culture, astronomy can contribute uniquely to help stimulate the SDGs and benefit positively on society. The E-ROAD is developing several projects, including a global education project Pale Blue Dot, to promote global citizenship in young children and foster a culture of peace and solidarity; Twinning collaborations between Leiden University and the OAD regional offices in Armenia, Colombia, Ethiopia and Nigeria under the EU Erasmus+ programme; And the EU H2020 human capacity building programme called SKIES (SKilled, Innovative and Entrepreneurial Scientists) to train young astronomers in a transferable skills course relevant to science and non-academic career paths. Besides, the office is focusing on building new and local partnerships across Europe and globally, and fundraising to fulfill its strategic plan.

Programme

This special session will consist of three 90-minute blocks, each with a different focus:

  • Block 1: a high-level overview of the activities and strategy of the OAD network, the E-ROAD office and other international perspectives.
  • Block 2: highlighted OAD and astronomy for development projects and programmes of recent years to show the on the ground experience and impact of such projects on several SDGs.
  • Block 3: the astronomy for development experience, activities and best practices from the three African ROADs in their regions.
We welcome abstract submissions for a short talk or poster.

Invited speakers

  • Sandra Benitez (IAU OAD fellow)
  • Emeka Don (IAU West African ROAD)
  • Katty Hsu (Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship)
  • Annie Hughes (MPIA/Astronomers for Planet Earth)
  • Alemiye Mamo (IAU East African ROAD)
  • Vanessa McBride (IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)
  • Jamal Mimouni (African Astronomical Society)
  • Ann Njeri (Elimisha Msichana - Educate the Girl, Educate the Community Foundation)
  • Mirjana Povic (Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute)
  • Prospery Simpemba (IAU Southern African ROAD)
  • João Paulo Vieira (Casa da Ciência)
  • Michelle Willebrands (IAU E-ROAD/Leiden University)

Scientific organisers

  • Michelle Willebrands, chair (IAU E-ROAD/Leiden University)
  • Andreas Burkert (Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich)
  • Kevin Govender (IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)
  • Vanessa McBride (IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)
  • Pedro Russo (IAU E-ROAD/Leiden University)

Contact

willebrands @ strw.leidenuniv.nl

Updated on Fri May 13 11:14:59 CEST 2022