AfAS and the IAU-OAD Sign Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Development Through Astronomy In Africa – Space in Africa

On May 26 2021, The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) signed a five-year partnership Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that sees the two collaborating towards bringing together complementary resources, networks and expertise to advance development through astronomy throughout the African Continent.

We are pleased to formalise an existing strong relationship with AfAS, said OAD Director Kevin Govender, who added: Over the past decade, the African continent has demonstrated beyond doubt its significant position in the global astronomy landscape. The rapid growth of this field of research combined with the energy and enthusiasm of the continents youth, as well as significant astronomy infrastructure projects on the continent, all make it time for this agreement to be signed between AfAS and the OAD.

The agreement envisages areas of collaboration that include:

It was just natural that both organisations join hands and work in synergy for the benefit of all the stakeholders to ripe societal and economic benefits by them bringing together their respective resources, networks, and expertise, said AfAS President Professor Jamal Mimouni, who jointly signed the agreement with Govender.

AfAS will provide the necessary human resources and communications channels to develop, implement and promote joint initiatives with the OAD. As appropriate, AfAS will invite representation from the OAD on its various committees and sub-committees.AfAS will also actively collaborate with the OAD and the National Organising Committee of the General Assembly 2024; to promote it and encourage active participation by African astronomers and students.

The OAD will provide the necessary human resources and communications, logistics and publicity channels to develop, implement and promote joint initiatives with AfAS. The OAD will also endeavour to synergise its fundraising activities through the IAU Fundraiser and include, as appropriate, AfAS representation in its fundraising initiatives.

AfAS and the OAD are both funded and supported by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and have always enjoyed a close working relationship. This MOA formalises the partnership between the two, aimed primarily at strengthening development through Astronomy in Africa.

AfAS:AfAS is a Pan-African astronomy professional society that creates a globally competitive and collaborative astronomy community in Africa. It was established in 2010 and relaunched in 2019. Its mission is to be the voice of astronomy in Africa and address Africas challenges through astronomy promotion and advancement.

The OAD:The OAD was established in 2011 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in partnership with the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). The OAD is a vital component of the IAUs strategy to use astronomy for sustainable global development. The mission of the OAD is to help further the use of astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructures, as a tool for development in every country by mobilising the human and financial resources necessary to realise the fields scientific, technological and cultural benefits to society.

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AfAS and the IAU-OAD Sign Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Development Through Astronomy In Africa - Space in Africa