International Astronomical Union
Office of Astronomy for Development
For more information, please contact:
Kevin Govender – [email protected]
J.-C. Mauduit – [email protected]
OAD
www.astro4dev.org
1 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
IAU Strategic plan slogan:
“Exploring the Universe
for the benefit of
humankind”
International Astronomical Union
> 10,000 professional
astronomers wordwide
Builds on the
International
Year of
Astronomy in
2009 which
reached over
815 000 000
people
2 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Elements of Astronomy for Development
Focus areas:
- Universities & Research
- Children & Schools
- Astronomy for the Public
3 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
The IAU Office of Astronomy for
Development
by mobilizing the human and financial resources necessary
in order to realize its scientific, technological and cultural benefits to society.
Mission:
Vision:
Astronomy for a better world!
To help further the use of astronomy as a tool for development
4 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
– Implementation of the Strategic Plan
– Strategic advice
– Coordination and Facilitation
– Funding and Infrastructure
– Implementation of special projects
The Roles of the OAD
5 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
OAD
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Astronomy for
the public
Regional Coordinators
OAD Steering Committee
Structural overview of the OAD
IAU President, Gen Sec, Div C
6 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
OAD
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Astronomy for
the public
Regional Coordinators
OAD Steering Committee
Structural overview of the OAD
IAU President, Gen Sec, Div C
7 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Steering Committee members
• Claude Carignan (nominated by NRF)
• Megan Donahue (nominated by IAU)
• George Miley (nominated by IAU) – previous Chair
• Khotso Mokhele (nominated by NRF) – current Chair
• Kaz Sekiguchi (nominated by IAU)
• Patricia Whitelock (nominated by NRF)
OAD Steering Committee: 3 nominated by the IAU, 3 nominated by the NRF
8
IAU finances/endorsement decisions are taken by the Extended Development Oversight Committee (EDOC), made of the Steering Committee and:
• Norio Kaifu (IAU president) • Thierry Montmerle (IAU General-Secretary) • Mary Kay Hemenway (IAU Division C President)
IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
OAD
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Astronomy for
the public
Regional Coordinators
OAD Steering Committee
Structural overview of the OAD
9 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
The OAD global office team
Director Kevin Govender
Project Officer J-C Mauduit
Administration Nuhaah Solomon
+ Interns & Volunteers
10 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Current interns & their projects
Laure Catala Eli Kasai
Eli has a strong passion helping develop the study of Astronomy in places that lack knowledge in
this field, especially in the Square Kilometer Array Africa partner
countries where Human Capacity Development programs are a high priority. He is currently
working on developing resources based on the Khan Academy
project and the Universe in a Box project
Laure is currently leading two projects at the OAD, the first one evaluating the impact of
different outreach and education programs in
collaboration with social scientists and education
researchers and the second one aimed at developing an undergraduate astronomy course for historically black
universities.
Rajin loves teaching science as well as topics related to
computing. He has just started working on a project
which aims at improving the skills of astronomical
programming for historically black South African universities and
undergraduate students in Africa.
Rajin Ramphul
11 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
OAD
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Astronomy for
the public
Regional Coordinators
OAD Steering Committee
Structural overview of the OAD
12 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
OAD Regional & Language Nodes
East Asia, China
South East Asia, Thailand
OAD
Global Office, South Africa
Ethiopia,
ESSS
13
In white: established ROADs/LOADs In red: Follow-ups being made regarding proposal
IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Nigeria, CBSS
Armenia, BAO
Colombia, Andean Partners
In yellow: ROAD awaiting signing of agreement In blue: Working with OAD towards proposal
OAD
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Astronomy for
the public
Regional Coordinators
OAD Steering Committee
Task Force 1
(TF1) Task Force 2
(TF2)
Task Force 3
(TF3)
Structural overview of the OAD
14 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
– Open call for nominations (January 2012)
– Selection of Chairs and Vice-Chairs by EDOC
– Selection of members by EDOC with input from
Chairs and Vice-Chairs
– Task Forces launched April 2012
– Role: Reviewing project proposals & advising OAD
OAD Task Forces
15 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
TF1: Universities and Research
OAD Task Forces
• Jean-Pierre de Grève (Belgium)
• Richard de Grijs (China)
• Michèle Gerbaldi (France)
• Edward Guinan (USA) – Chair
• Roger Hajjar (Lebanon)
• Edward Jurua (Uganda)
• Katrien Kolenberg (USA/Belgium) – Vice-Chair
• Hakim Malasan (Indonesia)
• Shengbang Qian (China)
• Nicole van der Bliek (Chile)
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
16 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
TF2: Children and Schools
• Rosa Doran (Portugal)
• Edward Gomez (LCOGT, Cardiff) - Vice-Chair
• Mary Kay Hemmenway (USA)
• Robert Hollow (Australia)
• Ofodum Chukwujekwu Nworah (Nigeria)
• Rosa Maria Ros (Spain)
• Pedro Russo (Leiden University/UNAWE) - Chair
• Cecilia Scorza (Venezuela/Germany)
• Linda Strubbe (Canada)
• Akihiko Tomita (Japan)
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools OAD Task Forces
17 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
TF3: Public
• Thilina Heenatigala (Sri Lanka)
• Sarah Kendrew (EU - New Media)
• Lars Lindberg Christensen (Germany, IAU Commission 55)
• Carolina Ödman (South Africa) – Vice-Chair
• German Puerta (Colombia)
• Sarah Reed (Japan/UK)
• Ian Robson (UK) - Chair
• Komiko Usida (Japan)
Astronomy for
the public OAD Task Forces
18 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO)
www.universedowntoearth.org
Works closely with OAD Task Force 3 and IAU Commission 55
19 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Register online at www.astro4dev.org/work-with-the-oad/oadvolunteers/
Volunteers (~450) mapped by country of origin
20 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
• 1st Call for Proposals (for projects to be implemented in 2013) issued on 10th August 2012
• Translation support offered
• €80000 available for Task Force recommendations
• Projects recommended but not funded go onto “wish list”
• EDOC allocated IAU funds in December 2012
• Projects are currently being implemented in 2013
Task Force Calls for Proposals
• 2nd Call for Proposals (for for projects to be implemented in
2014) issued on 1st July 2013
• Translation support offered
• €90000 available for Task Force recommendations
• Online & automatic process
• Similar review process by panels of experts in Task Forces
• Projects will be implemented in 2014
21 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
TF1: Universities and Research
• Visiting astronomer programmes or exchange programmes
• National or regional astronomy schools and workshops
• Astronomy education research equipment and laboratory small grant
• Sabbatical leave visit programme
• Undergraduate astronomy courses
• Technology internships e.g. instrument specialists
• University twinning programmes
• Innovative university astronomy programs not listed above
Task Force Calls - Examples
22 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
TF2: Children and Schools
• Teacher training and development
• Resource development and vetting
• Produce guidelines for using robotic telescopes for school projects
• Distance learning options applicable to school level education
• Astronomy education research
• Reference group for curriculum evaluation
• Support existing networks for education
• Mobile education projects
• Study on the value of astronomy training
• Any other relevant projects
Task Force Calls - Examples
23 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
TF3: Public • Journalist/blogger/communicator and amateur training
• Citizen science projects
• Develop/Identify models for good outreach activities
• Traditional/Cultural astronomy for outreach and false beliefs
• Establish evolving list of existing celebrations
• Creation of images and multimedia resources
• Stargazing events and telescope making workshops
• Any other relevant project which may not be mentioned here
• Astro-tourism activities
• Outreach awards
• Establish evaluation guidelines
Task Force Calls - Examples
24 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Annual Call for Proposals: 2013 results
Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Astronomy for
the public
42 applications
€ 752 959 requested
94 applications
€ 772 079 requested
53 applications
€ 310 782 requested
Total Requested:
€1 835 820
After evaluations: € 968 940 on wish list
e.g. University twinning,
summer schools,
equipment grants, etc
e.g. Teacher training,
resource development,
curriculum research
e.g. Journalist training,
citizen science,
astro-tourism
16 projects funded;
€ 90 000 made
available from IAU;
25 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Overview of funded projects in 2013
TF1
TF1
TF1
TF1 TF1
TF3
TF2
TF2
TF2
TF2
TF2
TF3 TF3
TF3
TF3
TF3
Online interactive overview of projects: www.astro4dev.org/funded-projects/
26 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Strengthening Astronomy Research at the University level in Rwanda
Project leader: Dr. Pheneas Nkundabakura
• In 2009, IAU donated computers to help students & lecturers to learn and use astronomy software
• New era of Astronomy research: can be done locally anywhere using online data mining
need staff training [Petri Vaisanen, SAAO]
Short term: Workshop in Kigali to build a research team trained on data reduction software
Long term: Extend to the whole region and to build a pan-East-African research team able to reduce multi-λ photometric and spectroscopic data (making use of SKA & Entoto observatories)
TF1- funded projects Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
Completed workshop!
27 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
National Workshop on Astronomy & Astrophysics in Kathmandu, Nepal
Project leader: Prof. Binil Aryal
TF1- funded projects Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
• June 24th – 27th, 2013, Central Department of Physics, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
• 9 lectures and 21 tutorials for ≈100 participants from everywhere in Nepal
• Provide an exposure to the virtual observatories (VO), databases, softwares and basic programming
• Aims to familiarize students with the process of problem identification as well as problem solving procedures
Completed
workshop!
28 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
The first “Guatemalan School of Astrophysics”, Guatemala
Project leader: Dr. Eduardo Rubio-Herrera
• Launch of the first ever GUAtemalan School of Astrophysics (GUASA) to be held in a rural area of Guatemala every 2 years
• Aims to bring together local Central American/Caribbean undergraduate students of physics/mathematics/engeneering, with experts from prestigious astronomical institutions from around the world
Motivate students to pursue degrees in Astronomy
• Organize outreach activities for the general public. These activities will encourage children and teenagers to get closer to science and to continue their studies aiming for higher education.
TF1- funded projects Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
29 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Starlight in the university: “Astrolab” in Belgium, Nigeria & Zambia
Project leader: Prof. Jean-Pierre de Grève
• Astrolab: research tutorial developed by Vrije Universiteit Brussel for the last 4 years
• Research tutorial allowing undergraduate students in sciences to perform real-time observations on a remote telescope and to transform them in to a scientific result
Purposes:
• Introduce students to the scientific research method by working scientifically through project development and preparation, data acquisition/treatment, analysis and conclusions
• Enhance interest in science studies by making them more attractive and getting the students involved in the learning process
TF1- funded projects Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
30 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Astronomy lectures for university students and teachers in Accra, Ghana
Project leader: Dr. Jacob Ashong
• A workshop for astronomy development at the Accra Planetarium to university students & teachers from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Senegal & Nigeria
• Reducing the “knowledge gap” between students and researchers in this region and those in other parts of the world where highly-developed astronomy research facilities exist
• Bringing together University students and international astronomy educators to promote and encourage the higher level study of Astronomy and make a contribution to taking it forward as part of the country’s development in science and technology
TF1- funded projects Astronomy for
Universities and
Research
31 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP), Nepal
Project leader: Mr. Sudeep Neupane
TF2 - funded projects Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
• 43 teachers
• 8 lecturers
• 12 students (9th grade) • 3 lectures, 4 workshops
Global impact in schools in Nepal
Completed project!
32 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Astronomical kit for the visually impaired (kits to Asia, Africa, South America &
Galileo Mobile project)
Project leader: Dr. Amelia Ortiz-Gil
TF2 - funded projects Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Kit will consist of: • A planetarium show with original soundtrack in
various languages and a half-sphere with constellations engraved
• Booklet of activities • Tactile 3D Moon with a booklet of Moon activities • Set of the FETTU braille sheets with an activity guide,
and (e) a book on tactile astronomy.
Help fund this project! Go to http://astrokit.uv.es/donate.html
33 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Mathare Ambassadors of Astronomy, Nairobi, Kenya
Project leader: Ms. Katarzyna Tekien
• Training of Trainers: 12 selected teachers undergo training on astronomy
• Introduction of Astronomy to Mathare Schools: training of 54 school teachers
• 20 schools from Mathare will be provided with total of 35 Galileoscopes and toolkit & of lessons on practical astronomy to deliver in the classroom
• Workshops in classrooms: astronomy lessons for 1500 primary school students
• Mathare Astronomy Exhibition: display of astronomy artefacts created during teachers’ trainings and workshops for students
TF2 - funded projects Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
34 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Astronomical measurements in Ancient Greece for students
Project leader: Dr. Athanasios Taramopoulos
TF2 - funded projects Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
1. Students carrying out these measurements can appreciate how an innovative mind can explore the universe
2. Have students reach out in the community and the public: everyone can realize that the cosmos is within everybody’s grasp to explore, as the Ancient Greek astronomers did.
Ancient Greek philosophers have made a number of accurate astronomical measurements and created successful models to describe the wonders of the Cosmos
Aims of the project:
35 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Network for Astronomy School Education
Project leader: Prof. Rosa Ros
TF2 - funded projects Astronomy for
Children and
Schools
Purpose: To act before the university and research period in the curricula of children and teenagers Necessary to educate teachers in astronomy topics
• NASE specific to Secondary and Primary schools teachers
• Organising a Local Organising Committee (LOC NASE group of 6-8)
• Courses organised for teachers in Kenya, Ghana & Nigeria
36 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Astronomy for the extremely ill/traumatically injured children & their families, USA
Project leader: Dr. Donald Lubowich
TF3 - funded projects Astronomy for
the public
The Ronald MacDonald Houses are a home away from home for families of critically ill / traumatically injured children undergoing medical treatment in hospitals
• Astronomical demonstrations conducted using telescope observations (Sun, Moon, planets, stars, and nebulae) in conjunction with astronomical demonstrations and family activities: a soothing effect on children
• The RMH-Chicago education staff will be trained on go-to telescopes, astronomy outreach software, demonstration materials to sustain momentum
37 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Astronomía Periférica – art & astromomy, Colombia
Project leader: Dr. Jaime Forero-Romero
TF3 - funded projects Astronomy for
the public
Brings the poetic force of astronomy into the periphery of Latin-American cities blending art, design and science
• ‘Satelistica’ deals with sonorizations and visualizations of satellite observations
• ‘Macrocosmos & Domestic Microcosmos’ uses household items as sculptures reminding us that we live in a planet traveling through the Universe
• ‘Notebook Universe’, a year-long project focusing on amateur drawing of naked eye and small telescope observations.
38 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Chinese Ancient Poetry Astrophotography, China
Project leader: Ms. Bing Li
TF3 - funded projects Astronomy for
the public
• Posted on the Beijing Planetarium website for the world to see
• Exhibited in Beijing Planetarium exhibition hall
• Used as examples to unite and inspire more people to provide different
culture astronomic poems and astrophotography for the next exhibition
and website content all over the world
Bring together Chinese literature teachers, Astronomers & Photographers to produce 40 pictures inspired from Chinese poetry
Our ancestors were closer to the night sky than we are. Celestial objects such (Sun, Moon, Milky Way, stars & comets) are mentioned in many Chinese ancient poems/stories which saw the same sky 1200 years ago.
39 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Bringing Astronomy to Remote Areas in Vietnam
Project leaders: Dr. Nguyen Luong Quang, Dang Tuan Duy & Nguyen Tan Vu
TF3 - funded projects Astronomy for
the public
• Aimed at building up a coherent, unique website to coordinate activities of amateur astronomy clubs in Vietnam & spread astronomical news
• Organising various observing nights and hands-on activities in remote provinces to increase awareness of people about astronomy.
40 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Dark Skies Outreach to Sub-Saharan Africa, USA/Africa
Project leader: Dr. Connie Walker
Optimize and implement the successful Dark Sky Rangers / GLOBE at Night citizen scientist program in 12 African countries: Algeria, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
The GLOBE at Night program, hosted by the US National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution
• Invites citizen-scientists to record the brightness of the night sky by visually matching the appearance of a constellation like Orion with star maps of progressively fainter stars or using meters
• Set of environmental/astronomy-based lesson plans for grades 3 through 12 that help students learn the importance of maintaining dark skies.
TF3 - funded projects Astronomy for
the public
41 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Limpopo Astronomy Public Outreach, SA
Project leader: Mr. Kosma Coronaios
TF3 - funded projects Astronomy for
the public
Limpopo Astronomy Public Outreach: 13 visits to various towns in the Limpopo Province of South Africa over the course of a 5 month period. 29 March – Polokwane (Mall of the North) 06 April – Bela Bela (Warmbaths, Forever Resorts) 18 May – Modimolle (Nylstroom) 25 May – Forever Resorts Tshipise 15 & 16 June – Thoyandou and Giyani 02 August – Makhado annual show 08 & 09 August – Tzaneen (Letaba, Expo)
42 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
• International Centre for Theoretical Physics – Associate Scientists (5 per year)
– Networks (3 per year)
– Individual travel grants (5 per year)
– Meetings and Workshops (2 per year)
– Schools for young scientists (2 per year)
Collaborations
43 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/partners/ictp-oad/
• Royal Astronomical Society – Visiting experts
– Approximately 5 visits per year
Collaborations
44 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/partners/rasexperts/
• Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research – Visiting experts
– Approximately 3 per year
Collaborations
45 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/partners/nwooadexperts/
• International Science Programme (Uppsala) – Workshop for Physics lecturers
– Use Virtual Observatory and small telescope
– First workshop targets “historically black” universities in SA
Collaborations
46 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/activities/astrovarsity/astrow/
• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics – Human Capital Development
– Visiting Experts
– Testing educational Resources
Collaborations
47 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/partners/iucaa/
• University of Central Lancashire – Distance learning scholarships (12 per year)
– Visiting experts
Collaborations
48 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/partners/uclan/
• Microsoft Research – WorldWide Telescope Workshop
– Targeting science teachers
Collaborations
49 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://www.astro4dev.org/activities/wwtworkshop/
• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) – Celebration of World Space Week 2012
– Targeting science teachers in Ethiopia
– In partnership with Las Cumbres Observatory and Ethiopian Space Science Society
Collaborations
50 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
http://bit.ly/14CSBbM
– Science Hack Day (“Hacking for Development”)
– Microsoft Worldwide Telescope Workshop
– Programming Workshops (Sutherland)
– Astronomy Teaching and Research Orientation Workshop
(instrumentation and data - HBUs)
– Undergraduate astronomy courseware
– East African Astronomy Workshop – Kampala
– Khan academy/astronomy videos
– AstroPack – global resource collection
– Evaluation of impact – Sutherland case study
– World Space Week (Ethiopia)
– Francophone Africa – Eclipse meeting 2013
Project Highlights (2012-2013)
51 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
– PPC visit to OAD/SAAO
– Brussels – EU Global Science Global Challenges
– OAO establishment – Japan
– AMCOST – Republic of Congo
– SALT Board Meeting
– JEG-8 at OAD/SAAO
– Angolan Delegation to OAD/SAAO
– Algeria – Astronomy festival and North Africa regional meeting
– SKA Human Capital Development Workshop
– NRF Science Awareness Workshop
– IAU General Assembly - China
Event Highlights (2012-2013)
52 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
53 / 54
2015 Strategic Goals
• Active regional nodes on all continents
• Active Task Forces with yearly funding cycle
• Sustainable volunteer programme
• Secured funding for the OAD in the 2016 to 2020
period.
• Total accumulated fundraising exceeding those
made through the IAU-NRF agreement.
53 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
The way forward: a global impact
54 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
Regional nodes across the world coordinating activities that use
Astronomy for a Better World
Astronomy for a better world!
What you can do...
Spread the word: Follow us on - Facebook fb.com/astro4dev - Twitter @astro4dev - Mailing list
Become an intern or volunteer Log on www.astro4dev.org - Register as a volunteer - Browse our internships (to come)
Brainstorm & share ideas with us at [email protected] or contact us at astro4dev.org/contactus/ Apply for funding:
Call for Proposals open.
55 IAU Office of Astronomy for Development www.astro4dev.org
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