South Africa's scientific community has signed an agreement to host the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) Office for Astronomy Development (OAD).
The community is made up of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
This agreement secures the commitment by all parties to realise the vision of the OAD, which will be based at the SAAO in Cape Town, the IAU said. SA was chosen as the best location from 20 other proposals worldwide, and while the choice was initially announced in May, the signing of the agreement comes after weeks of negotiation between the IAU, SAAO, NRF and DST.
According to the NRF, this marks the beginning of the realisation of an ambitious international strategy to bring astronomy to developing countries across the world. “SA will now play an even more significant international role than it currently does in the field of astronomy.”
Earlier this year, when SA was announced as the host country of the OAD, science and technology minister Naledi Pandor said the award represents a boost to all SA's astronomy-related activities, including its bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
Pandor also said local universities will benefit from their proximity to the office, because of the opportunities for workshops and sharing of experiences. “The office is potentially a breeding ground for African leaders in the field of astronomy and development, with many opportunities for volunteer, contract and part-time work at specific projects.”
Tool for development
George Miley, IAU vice-president for development and education, said: “SA is a role model for us because it combines world-class astronomical research facilities with a pioneering programme of astronomical outreach.”
According to Miley, the unique quality of astronomy is that it combines advanced technology with wonder. “The IAU's strategic plan aims to mobilise talented professional and amateur astronomers, engineers and teachers around the world in the service of developing countries.”
He added that an essential component of the IAU's plan is the creation of an office for astronomy development. “The OAD will coordinate a wide range of capacity-building activities throughout the world. These activities include inspiring young disadvantaged children, stimulating science and engineering education, training school teachers, and building up the research capacity of university departments.”
Looking ahead
President and CEO of the NRF, Albert van Jaarsveld, said hosting the office is significant not only for SA and Africa but for the entire developing world. “We are pleased to be associated with this effort to use astronomy to foster education and capacity-building globally over the next decade.”
Van Jaarsveld noted that astronomy remains one of the sources of inspiration for young people who take up careers in science and technology and go on to contribute positively in society.
According to him, SA's astronomical capability has grown substantially, and the international scientific community recognises that the country is driven in the field of astronomy. This is demonstrated through projects such as SALT, MeerKAT and the bid to host the SKA, added Van Jaarsveld.
Ian Corbett, general secretary of the IAU, said the union's strategic plan will draw on the skills of professional and amateur astronomers working with teachers and others in a world-wide action programme.
“The Office for Astronomy Development is central to this plan; it will be the focal point in coordinating a wide range of global capacity-building activities.”
Corbett noted that the OAD will set out to build on the momentum of the IAU-UNESCO International Year of Astronomy last year, which saw activities reaching millions of people in 148 countries.
Although the focus will be on developing regions, the participation of all countries will be essential, both to build the field of astronomy and, perhaps more importantly, to realise the significant role that astronomy can play in development, he concludes.
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