SA partners with IAU to drive Astronomy for the Developing World!

Today, South African Science chalked up yet another astronomical achievement with the signing of an agreement for the country to host the International Astronomical Union’s Office for Astronomy Development.

This significant event marks the beginning of the realisation of an ambitious international strategy to bring astronomy to developing countries across the world. South Africa will now play an even more significant international role than it currently does in the field of astronomy. The global development strategy entitled "Astronomy for the Developing World" was produced by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) who then set out to find the best place in the world to put the coordinating office – and South Africa came out tops!

"I am particularly pleased that our Executive Committee chose South Africa and the South African Astronomical Observatory," said Prof George Miley, IAU Vice President for Development and Education. "South Africa is a role model for us because it combines world-class astronomical research facilities with a pioneering programme of astronomical outreach."

South Africa was chosen as the best location from 20 other proposals from around the world. Although this choice was initially announced in May 2010, the signing of the agreement today comes as a result of weeks of negotiation amongst the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the IAU. This agreement now secures the commitment by all parties to realise the vision of the Office for Astronomy Development (OAD), which will be based at the SAAO in Cape Town.

"The National Research Foundation is pleased to host this office, which is significant not only for South Africa 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 at least. 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. We are looking forward to working with the Astronomy community in developing interest in astronomy and science and technology in general" said Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, President and CEO of the National Research Foundation.

Dr Ian Corbett, General Secretary of the IAU noted that "This is a momentous occasion and the start of something really new, really challenging but also something which should have profound, far-reaching long term consequences for us all and not just for the developing countries. It is wonderful that South Africa has joined with the International Astronomical Union in this endeavour, and has demonstrated the determination and commitment necessary to make this a success."

The OAD will set out to build on the momentum of the IAU-UNESCO International Year of Astronomy 2009 whose activities reached millions of people in 148 countries. Although the focus will be on developing regions, the involvement and participation of all countries around the world 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.

The IAU Development office is generously supported through the IAU and the South African Department of Science and Technology.

Present at the signing ceremony were amongst others:- Dr Ian Corbett, General Secretary of the IAU; - Prof George Miley, IAU Vice President for Development and Education;- Dr Molapo Qhobela, Deputy Director General of DST; - Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, President of the NRF; - Prof Phil Charles, Director of the SAAO;- Prof Patricia Whitelock, IAU representative for South Africa and based at SAAO.

Contacts:Phil CharlesDirector: SAAOpac(at)saao.ac.za0214470025

Patricia WhitelockIAU representative for South Africapaw(at)saao.ac.za0214470025

Kevin GovenderChair: Developing Astronomy Globallykg(at)saao.ac.zaMobile: 0824878466

Links:Original press releases announcing South Africa as the OAD host:- IAU: http://www.iau.org/public_press/news/detail/iau1003/- SAAO: http://www.saao.ac.za/no_cache/public-info/news/news/article/181/16/- NRF: http://www.nrf.ac.za/news_articles.php?nid=67- DST: http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2010/10052609551003.htmThe IAU Strategic Plan: Astronomy for the Developing World: iau.org/static/education/strategicplan_091001.pdf IAU website: www.iau.org SAAO website: www.saao.ac.za NRF website: www.nrf.ac.zaAbout the IAU: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. Its individual members – structured in Divisions, Commissions, Working groups and Program Groups - are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, and active in professional research and education in astronomy. In addition, the IAU collaborates with various organizations all over the world. The IAU has 10127 Individual Members in 90 countries worldwide. Of those countries, 70 are National Members. The scientific and educational activities of the IAU are organized by its 12 Scientific Divisions and, through them, its 40 specialized Commissions covering the full spectrum of astronomy, along with its 71 Working and Program Groups. The long-term policy of the IAU is defined by the General Assembly and implemented by the Executive Committee, while day-to-day operations are directed by the IAU Officers. The focal point of its activities is the IAU Secretariat, hosted by the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, France.

ABOUT THE NRF: The National Research Foundation (NRF) is an independent statutory body set up in accordance with the National Research Foundation Act. Its mandate is to support and promote research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all ?elds of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge,  and thereby contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans.

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY: SAAO is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. It is a facility of the National Research Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology. Its prime function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing a world-class facility and by promoting astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa. SAAO headquarters are in the suburb of Observatory in Cape Town. The main telescopes used for research are located at the SAAO observing station near Sutherland in the Northern Cape.