Messages from the global astronomy community was played at a G20 science ministers gathering in South Africa in September 2025.
Astronomy is not only a critical scientific endeavour but an important tool to drive positive change in our world. These messages convey what astronomy means to people around the world, what governments should do for astronomy, and the potential of astronomy for development.
[G20, astronomy, inspiration, curiosity, unity, collaboration, universe]
Last week, the International Astronomical Union President, Prof Willy Benz, launched the IAU OAD Flagship Ecosystem through which we will support people from around the world in using astronomy for entrepreneurship and better mental health.
If you are passionate about rural development, job creation, or creative approaches to improving mental health, explore our ecosystem of resources, trainings, community, and funding.
Link in bio
[entrepreneur, employment, mental health, astronomy, dark skies, youth, women]
@dominicvertueoad_53912 and @joyfulmdhluli_86708_25852 from the IAU OAD will be speaking at the DarkSky International session on "Nurture your well-being through the outdoors".
Join us on May 28 at 9 a.m. PDT for a webinar exploring the connection between the environment and mental well-being. We will discuss our ongoing research and preliminary results on how nature and the cosmos can support mental health and recovery.
Link in bio.
[dark sky, astronomy, outdoors, nature, mental well-being, science]
Our 2026 project teams have been busy these past few months. The Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy (BGPA) project, which aims to foster early science identity and STEAM engagement among black girls, has run a number of activities for youth leaders and young girls.
Their latest was an unforgettable day of discovery during a visit to the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. The experience included a telescope demonstration and a tour of the institute, offering breathtaking views of the city and a glimpse into the spaces where astronomy happens. It expanded participants’ sense of what is possible in science.
[science, astronomy, black girls, womeninscience, Canada, STEM, science identity]
📣 ԼՐԱՏՎԱՄԻՋՈՑՆԵՐԻ ՀԱՎԱՏԱՐՄԱԳՐՈՒՄ📣
Լրատվամիջոցների հարգելի՛ ներկայացուցիչներ,
✨️ Տեղեկացնում ենք, որ ս.թ. մայիսի 25-29-ը Երևանում անցկացվող՝ Միջազգային աստղագիտական միության (ՄԱՄ, IAU)՝ աստղագիտության հանրայնացման միջազգային համաժողովի (CAP2026) կապակցությամբ հայտարարվում է լրատվամիջոցների հավատարմագրում։
🚀 CAP2026-ը համախմբում է աստղագիտության հանրայնացման ոլորտի մասնագետներին ամբողջ աշխարհից՝ փորձի փոխանակման, մասնագիտական հմտությունների զարգացման և համագործակցության նոր հնարավորությունների ստեղծման նպատակով։
CAP2026 համաժողովի հիմնական թեմաները վերաբերում են գիտական լրագրությանը, աստղագիտության հանրայնացման մեջ արհեստական բանականության կիրառմանը, սոցիալական մեդիային, աստղագիտական հանրային-կրթական ծրագրերին և գիտության հանրայնացման ժամանակակից գործիքներին։
✨️ Համաժողովի մանրամասներին կարող եք ծանոթանալ անցնելով հետևյալ հղումով՝
/2026/
✅️ Հավատարմագրման հայտերի ներկայացման վերջնաժամկետն է՝ 2026թ․ մայիսի 15-ը։✅️
Հավատարմագրման քարտերի ստացման վերաբերյալ տեղեկատվությունը կտրամադրվի հավելյալ։
Հարցերի դեպքում կարող եք զանգահարել 077601027 հեռախոսահամարին։
Գրանցումը՝ https://forms.gle/Qc7Bqrht75pn35Fd7
Webinar: IAU OAD Call for Proposals
Friday, May 08, 12pm UTC
What links astronomy and development? Who can apply for funding? What are some examples of astronomy-for-development? What is allowed in the budget? What is the difference between Output and Outcome? How to measure impact?
To answer these questions and more, join our webinar targeted at anyone planning to submit a proposal. We will provide an overview of the call and how to go about designing an astro4dev project.
[grant, IAU, webinar, funding, astronomy, society, impact]
Curious about astronomy? Turn your passion for the Universe into impact on Society.
The IAU OAD is looking for innovative astronomy projects to promote sustainable development. Seed funding will be awarded to proposals with high potential for making a positive societal impact using astronomy.
Past projects have used astronomy-based tourism to stimulate rural development, changed student attitudes towards STEM through the exciting lens of astronomy, mentored and supported girls to reduce school dropout rates, and even worked with prisoners to boost their morale and reorient values through an astronomy experience.
Applications can be submitted by anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of their qualifications in astronomy, although it is expected that the proposing team has access to people with suitable astronomy as well as development expertise.
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Learn more at link in bio.
[IAU, grants, astronomy, development, education, tourism, gender, STEM]
The IAU OAD funded "Stars for the Future" project in Venezuela has launched pilot astronomy workshops with primary school students who are applying spatial geometry concepts to prototype construction of a community planetarium.
Through a partnership with the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello the team has also begun restoring two donated telescopes.
The goal is to develop a community planetarium to serve as the central hub for a comprehensive educational and social program that will use astronomy as a powerful vehicle for sustainable development and educational equity.
[astronomy, Venezuela, equity, community, social development, planetarium]
15 years of IAU OAD: A thank you to our global team, Regional Offices, host South African Astronomical Observatory and National Research Foundation, projects, reviewers, collaborators, and many more.
Astronomy for a better world!
Have you gotten your “Astronomy for a Better World” sticker yet?
If you’re attending #AfAS2026, join us for our special session today from 18:00–19:30 in the EDO breakout room.
Stickers will be available at the session and at our booth throughout the week.
More information about the session [link in bio]
![Messages from the global astronomy community was played at a G20 science ministers gathering in South Africa in September 2025.Astronomy is not only a critical scientific endeavour but an important tool to drive positive change in our world. These messages convey what astronomy means to people around the world, what governments should do for astronomy, and the potential of astronomy for development.[G20, astronomy, inspiration, curiosity, unity, collaboration, universe]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6764425528583263297053_0_2f02c7d67d49f239394d77e2cc6688e0.jpg?o=aHR0cHM6Ly9zY29udGVudC1hdGwzLTIuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS92L3Q1MS44Mjc4Ny0xNS81NTk1MzQ2ODNfMTgwMDIyNTQ0MzM4MTQ0NDZfNjU1MTQ0MjY4ODAyNTcyNjQ3MF9uLmpwZz9zdHA9ZHN0LWpwZ19lMTVfczY0MHg2NDBfdHQ2Jl9uY19odD1zY29udGVudC1hdGwzLTIuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbSZfbmNfY2F0PTEwMiZfbmNfb2M9UTZjWjJnRmExQlc1MldGX2VZejZwcWpfc3UzeVpxNUVaMEhBUzU2MXV6UlE4alVwRVVaNHJjVHNHNFQ1MExJeXM5WDhJbDlMdk45aFZ4N2VHS3lWdGVCd2E5RFkmX25jX29oYz1wQ0g5UjZmNHJsRVE3a052d0ZnUjlabSZfbmNfZ2lkPTM1QXdZN3JqZ0U5bHRMZVNjQmxVRVEmZWRtPUFQVTg5RkFCQUFBQSZjY2I9Ny01Jm9oPTAwX0FmNkxCcTJtdlVhQTM2V2ZXbWJRT19qb1lvd2VmR1JqRXFHQ0o4WXV2VmE0bWcmb2U9NkExMDdCMkEmX25jX3NpZD1iYzBjMmM=&h=699b85eb1b3e79c3bec22e50052a196d)
![Last week, the International Astronomical Union President, Prof Willy Benz, launched the IAU OAD Flagship Ecosystem through which we will support people from around the world in using astronomy for entrepreneurship and better mental health.If you are passionate about rural development, job creation, or creative approaches to improving mental health, explore our ecosystem of resources, trainings, community, and funding.Link in bio[entrepreneur, employment, mental health, astronomy, dark skies, youth, women]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6764214149644838222072_0_664b40c6b503dc254898927cd3dd23d3.jpg?o=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&h=faf332e5bc0e739bc2dd6d40586bfef0)
![@dominicvertueoad_53912 and @joyfulmdhluli_86708_25852 from the IAU OAD will be speaking at the DarkSky International session on "Nurture your well-being through the outdoors".Join us on May 28 at 9 a.m. PDT for a webinar exploring the connection between the environment and mental well-being. We will discuss our ongoing research and preliminary results on how nature and the cosmos can support mental health and recovery.Link in bio.[dark sky, astronomy, outdoors, nature, mental well-being, science]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6727473070464134124157_0_1a95e35d5054d0a857e5bffc8aa8d23c.jpg?o=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&h=d1913a1dc05f9e82a892156ebca30298)
![Our 2026 project teams have been busy these past few months. The Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy (BGPA) project, which aims to foster early science identity and STEAM engagement among black girls, has run a number of activities for youth leaders and young girls.Their latest was an unforgettable day of discovery during a visit to the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. The experience included a telescope demonstration and a tour of the institute, offering breathtaking views of the city and a glimpse into the spaces where astronomy happens. It expanded participants’ sense of what is possible in science.[science, astronomy, black girls, womeninscience, Canada, STEM, science identity]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6727662424366634237267_0_af612ed70fa014a3889d742b46469f8d.jpg?o=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&h=5e8b251635b12d0c7986422d8acbe5fb)
![Webinar: IAU OAD Call for ProposalsFriday, May 08, 12pm UTCWhat links astronomy and development? Who can apply for funding? What are some examples of astronomy-for-development? What is allowed in the budget? What is the difference between Output and Outcome? How to measure impact?To answer these questions and more, join our webinar targeted at anyone planning to submit a proposal. We will provide an overview of the call and how to go about designing an astro4dev project.[grant, IAU, webinar, funding, astronomy, society, impact]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6727684954661634267041_0_fec208b2f28592d88be6f8d7505ede28.jpg?o=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&h=6c4dadd7ac1c5dc2134ddf86f89bef11)
![Curious about astronomy? Turn your passion for the Universe into impact on Society.The IAU OAD is looking for innovative astronomy projects to promote sustainable development. Seed funding will be awarded to proposals with high potential for making a positive societal impact using astronomy.Past projects have used astronomy-based tourism to stimulate rural development, changed student attitudes towards STEM through the exciting lens of astronomy, mentored and supported girls to reduce school dropout rates, and even worked with prisoners to boost their morale and reorient values through an astronomy experience.Applications can be submitted by anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of their qualifications in astronomy, although it is expected that the proposing team has access to people with suitable astronomy as well as development expertise.Deadline: May 31, 2026Learn more at link in bio.[IAU, grants, astronomy, development, education, tourism, gender, STEM]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739191615201441407255_0_6235402642298161beebc1be06f7a868.jpg?o=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&h=4d109a85c3136c6906e0dbddd601ae36)
![The IAU OAD funded "Stars for the Future" project in Venezuela has launched pilot astronomy workshops with primary school students who are applying spatial geometry concepts to prototype construction of a community planetarium.Through a partnership with the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello the team has also begun restoring two donated telescopes.The goal is to develop a community planetarium to serve as the central hub for a comprehensive educational and social program that will use astronomy as a powerful vehicle for sustainable development and educational equity.[astronomy, Venezuela, equity, community, social development, planetarium]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739134314563634655740_0_7dbdcf5512edd8eec855b5500568700a.jpg?o=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&h=66bf4502158fc3270c6870841711aba9)
![Have you gotten your “Astronomy for a Better World” sticker yet?If you’re attending #AfAS2026, join us for our special session today from 18:00–19:30 in the EDO breakout room.Stickers will be available at the session and at our booth throughout the week.More information about the session [link in bio]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6747206524504434702544_0_af2e5a05e21abb0a508a326fe419f194.jpg?o=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&h=51c75f54574cd6fb8cb85309ff1eb0bb)
