IAU-OAD

OAD’s new Astronomy-for-Development Ecosystem has been launched!! From astrotourism to free training & seed funding, it aims to empower changemakers worldwide. 🔗 Check it out: lnkd.in/dCG2iEEQ Follow for updates! #ScienceForSociety #Astro4Dev #OAD

connecting local communities with their night sky. So far, the project has developed an initial catalogue of astrotourism products, formed a committee to promote dark sky certification, and advocated for astrotourism amongst local authorities.

LUNAR project in Mexico demonstrates that looking at the sky is also a way to strengthen the community. Funded by the IAU OAD through the annual call for proposals, the project combined astronomy, cultural heritage, tourist experience, design, and dark sky conservation,

Celebrating #WomenAndGirlsInScience Through its global projects, the IAU OAD empowers women and girls in STEM - using astronomy to inspire opportunity, leadership & sustainable development. When she reaches for the stars, we all rise. ✨ #IDWGIS2026 #GenderEquality #Astro4Dev

Astronomy is not only inspiring, it can have real positive effects on people and the planet. Some examples of how our 2026 projects will create a better world using astronomy. Learn more: lnkd.in/dCGf69YC [IAU, astronomy, impact, science, society, astro4dev, development]

Exciting news! 18 new astronomy-for-development projects worldwide will receive grants in 2026, funded by the @IAU_org and DARA via the UK’s STFC. Congrats to all the teams! Full list: lnkd.in/dvw96Sqb #astro4dev #sciencefordevelopment #impact

How to spot the super bright planet Jupiter in our sky? Latest video from @Kainaat_Kids shares stargazing tips, epic star stories and a tour of the night sky, Kainaat Kids project was supported by the OAD through its annual call for proposals. youtube.com/watch?v=rokUZT…

Dr. Joyful Elma Mdhluli, Project coordinator at the IAU OAD was interviewed by Physics Today, published by the American Institute of Physics. Read the article on the January Issue of Physics Today: physicstoday.aip.org/news/joyful-md…

South African research shows guided stargazing can reduce anxiety, boost mood and foster connection — offering a powerful shift in perspective on wellbeing through the simple act of looking up. We speak to Dr Charles Takalana @Astro4Dev on #SAfmJSB with @BridgetMasinga

As astrotourism grows, responsible approaches are key to protecting dark skies while supporting communities and sustainable development. Quote: Samyukta Manikumar (Cedit: @IDADarkSky) #Astrotourism #DarkSkies #AstronomyForDevelopment #SDGs

We closed out 2025 with a guided mindfulness session under the Geminids meteor shower 🌠—using astronomy to create calm, reflection, and shared humanity. A moment to pause, look up, and connect. Watch: astro4dev.org/looking-up-tog… #Geminids #Astronomy #Mindfulness #Calm

Thread 2/2 Early results show stargazing can reduce stress and foster social connection. OAD Director Kevin Govender spoke to @HelderbergFM. Read more: astro4dev.org/how-stargazing…

Thread 1/2 If you’ve ever looked up at the Moon or stars and felt something shift, you’re not alone. Our research with public health researchers at @StellenboschUni’s COCREATE Hub is exploring how astronomy experiences support emotional wellbeing.

Join the Universe Awareness Workshop tomorrow – 21 October 2025 How can astronomy inspire global citizenship in children? The Universe Awareness (UNAWE) programme has been doing just that for over a decade. Join to learn more. 21 Oct, 14:00 - 17:00 CEST youtube.com/live/gSMD3-uB0…

Join us this Thursday, 16 October 2025 for the first live engagement of the OAD Astrotourism Community of Practice. This session will take place on Discord, and will focus on the theme of Astrotourism and the SDGs. Join the session here: lnkd.in/dfDFJ5RV

Check out the article on our Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Astronomy Ambassadors in The Guardian! theguardian.com/global-develop… @IndiaDST @karandi65 @fiddlingstars @dorje1974 @utladakhtourism @IDADarkSky @Astro4Dev #Hanle #HDSR

Read about our open call for applications, recently launched projects, and upcoming events in the IAU OAD newsletter. astro4dev.org/iau-oad-newsle… [newsletter, astronomy, development, astro4dev, IAU]

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we envision a world where astronomy enhances mental health and wellbeing, helping people thrive through awe and connection. The @astro4dev Astronomy for Mental Health Project promotes improved psychological flexibility and calm through looking up.

The 11th #BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Workshop, held in Brazil this year, brings together the BRICS nation members in a meeting of minds and celebration of scientific collaboration. The workshop begins on Monday 13th October. More details: gov.br/inpe/en/events…

Message to G20 science gathering from Marta Filipa Simões, Assistant Professor & PI, Macau University of Science and Technology Watch more of the G20 submissions here: astro4dev.org/g20/ #G20 #science #astronomy #China #research #astro4dev

Fatima Marwan, a student and astrophotographer from Iraq shares a message to the G20. Watch more messages here: astro4dev.org/g20/ #G20 #science #astronomy #iraq #youth