IAU Office of Astronomy for Development

International Astronomical Union

Observatory, South Africa

International developmentScience & ResearchEducationMental health

Founded 2011International reach

Profile last updated: May 6, 2026

About

Founded in 2011, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development is a non-profit organisation based in Observatory, South Africa working on international development, science & research, education +3 more.

The IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is a global coordinating centre of the International Astronomical Union that promotes the use of astronomy as a tool for sustainable development. It funds and coordinates projects that use astronomy to address development challenges, including education, mental health, skills training, astrotourism and innovation. Its annual Call for Proposals has funded projects across more than 100 countries. The OAD is hosted in South Africa at the South African Astronomical Observatory, a facility of the South African National Research Foundation, and operates a network of regional offices. Donations are accepted through the International Astronomical Union, a not-for-profit organisation registered in France.

Location

Observatory, South Africa

Founded

2011

Legal name

International Astronomical Union

Focus areas

astronomysustainable developmentinternational developmentscience for developmenteducationastrotourismgrantsopen innovation

Languages

Causes & programmes

Causes

International developmentScience & ResearchEducationMental healthEmployment & SkillsCommunity development

Works for

ChildrenYouthStudentsCommunities

How they work

Grant-makingCapacity buildingAwareness & education

Programmes

Astrotourism

Community development

Flagship programme using astrotourism as a tool for socioeconomic development, including training of stargazing tour guides.

Astro for Mental Health

Mental health

Flagship programme using astronomy to support mental health.

Astro 4 Skills

Employment & Skills

Flagship programme using astronomy to build skills.

Africa Earth Observation Challenge

Science & Research

Annual open innovation challenge sourcing space technologies and supporting early-stage African space-tech enterprises using Earth observation data.

Global Grants Program

International development

Annual call for proposals funding projects worldwide that use astronomy to address development challenges.

Funding & support

Funded by

Individual donations

Ways to support

Donate

Credentials & affiliations

Partnerships

South African National Research Foundation, South African Astronomical Observatory, Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy, University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, University of Pretoria, Royal Astronomical Society, African Astronomical Society, DARA