Letters of Intent received in 2016

LoI 2018-1921
Focus Meeting (GA): Astronomy for Development

Date: 27 August 2018 to 28 August 2018
Category: Focus meetings (GA)
Location: Vienna, Austria
Contact: Kevin Govender (kg@astro4dev.org)
Coordinating division: Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
Other divisions: Division A Fundamental Astronomy
Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science
Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
Division D High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics
Division E Sun and Heliosphere
Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology
Division G Stars and Stellar Physics
Division H Interstellar Matter and Local Universe
Division J Galaxies and Cosmology
Chair of SOC: Kevin Govender (IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)
Chair of LOC: ()

 

Topics

1. The new IAU Strategic Plan
2. Synergies between IAU structures (Office of Astronomy for Development, Office for Astronomy Outreach, Office for Young Astronomers, IAU Divisions, etc)
3. Global structure in astronomy-for-development - OAD’s Regional Offices
4. OAD Call for proposals - history of funded activities and future directions
5. Volunteers and volunteer opportunities for IAU members
6. Astronomy Education Research
7. Evidence-informed project design
8. Evaluating impact of projects
9. Interdisciplinary imperatives in astronomy-for-development: synergies between natural and social sciences

 

Rationale

The IAU General Assembly ratified a strategic plan in 2009 for the decade 2010 to 2020. This plan aimed to effectively realise tangible developmental benefits that can arise globally from the field of astronomy. In 2010 an agreement was signed between the IAU and the South African National Research Foundation to establish the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), which was tasked mainly with the implementation of the IAU Strategic Plan. By 2015 there were nine regional offices established around the world to implement the strategic plan regionally, and 68 projects funded through the annual call for proposals. In 2016 the IAU was awarded the Edinburgh Medal for the activities related to the strategic plan and the OAD, bringing global recognition to this effort and confirming, in a way, the validity of the IAU’s choices to embark on this ambitious plan.

By the time of the IAU General Assembly in 2018 the OAD would have been operating for almost 8 years. The 2018 General Assembly also marks the adoption of a renewed IAU Strategic Plan that would go beyond 2020 – a plan due to be presented at that meeting. Given the importance of these activities and the relevance to all IAU members, this Focus Meeting will revolve around an exploration of the new IAU Strategic Plan, allowing space for reflection on what has been achieved so far and the needs that have been identified to enhance this field into the future. The topics have been chosen with this principle in mind and are described in a bit more detail below:

1. The new IAU Strategic Plan: discussions under this topic will reflect on the new plan presented to the GA and look at the roadmap for its implementation.
2. Synergies between IAU structures (Office of Astronomy for Development, Office for Astronomy Outreach, Office for Young Astronomers, IAU Divisions, etc): given the many activities within the IAU there is a need for synergies. This FM is the ideal place to discuss through panels and contributed talks how those synergies should develop.
3. Global structure in astronomy-for-development - OAD’s Regional Offices: this topic will revolve around the activities of the many regional offices that have been established and reflect on challenges and opportunities.
4. OAD Call for proposals - history of funded activities and future directions: this has been a key part of the OAD’s portfolio and is where a significant amount of IAU funding is spent. Discussions here will reflect on what has been funded thus far and how the process should evolve into the future.
5. Volunteers and volunteer opportunities for IAU members: Discussions will revolve around experiences by volunteers and challenges in managing the many volunteers registered with the OAD. Platforms for the future will be discussed.
6. Astronomy Education Research: education is one of the cornerstones of the IAU Strategic plan, with the premise that through stimulating education around the world, we may influence global development positively. Astronomy is often referred to as a “gateway” science which attracts people into the sciences. This topic explores the research that continues to be done in optimizing the effectiveness and benefits of astronomy education.
7. Evidence-informed project design: it has been important within the OAD activities to emphasize the need to prevent reinvention and the importance to build on what has already been done. This topic looks at mechanisms to ensure that there is a constant positive movement in terms of activities, and where possible, ensuring that evidence and research in respective areas are maximally utilized.
8. Evaluating impact of projects: this topic will cover the complex field of measuring whether OAD activities have had a positive impact. The science of evaluation can be intimidating to many passionate “ambassadors” of astronomy, and the OAD has sought to simplify the implementation of key principles without compromising on quality.
9. Interdisciplinary imperatives in astronomy-for-development: synergies between natural and social sciences: it has always been clear that in order for the IAU to realise development ambitions through astronomy, there is an important need to engage with development and social science fields. This topic will explore those needs and how we should move into the future to ensure maximum societal benefit from astronomy.

Encouraging support and endorsements for this FM have already been received from both within the IAU and beyond. We anticipate that this will be a well attended event with valuable proceedings emerging thereafter.