ASTRONOMY-FOR DEVELOPMENT-RESEARCH INSTITUTE (Concept Development Phase)
The OAD Research Institute is a global research and knowledge platform dedicated to advancing the evidence base of astronomy-for-development. It brings together more than a decade of projects supported by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), creating a unique repository of initiatives that explore how astronomy can contribute to sustainable development, education, wellbeing, cultural heritage, environmental awareness, skills development, and social change.
By preserving project data, outcomes, methodologies, and lessons learned, the platform serves as a living laboratory for understanding the role of astronomy in society. It enables researchers to identify trends, examine impacts, evaluate approaches, and generate new knowledge that strengthens the emerging field of astronomy-for-development.
Building the Future of Astronomy-for-Development Research
The OAD Research Institute represents a commitment to establishing astronomy-for-development as a rigorous field of inquiry. By combining project data, research, evaluation, and global collaboration, it seeks to move beyond documenting individual success stories toward developing a deeper understanding of how astronomy can meaningfully contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and broader societal advancement.
Vision
Mission
The OAD Research Institute generates, curates, and translates evidence on the societal impact of astronomy through rigorous research, evidence generation, and knowledge exchange. Through interdisciplinary research, global collaboration, and the analysis of astronomy-for-development initiatives, we seek to strengthen knowledge, improve practice, and shape the future of astronomy as a tool for sustainable development.
More information will be available soon.
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact us at [email protected].