[AstroNet] Launch of OAD Regional Node in Zambia

Fri Aug 8 16:54:36 SAST 2014

Dear all
Another big step for Astronomy in Africa!
I'm pleased to report that the second regional node on the continent has
just been launched at the Copperbelt University in Zambia (the other node
was launched in January 2014 in Ethiopia for the East African region).
Please find the media release below.
The website will be http://southernafrica.astro4dev.org.
Regards
Kevin

*Zambia hosts Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development*

Kitwe, Zambia: Today the International Astronomical Union (IAU) signed an
important agreement with the Copperbelt University (CBU) to host a Southern
African regional node of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
(OAD).  This is the second regional node to be established on the African
continent and forms part of the IAU's decadal strategic plan, which aims to
realise the global societal benefits of astronomy. The signing follows the
approval of a proposal from CBU which enjoyed the support of astronomy
collaborators in Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, including
the South African Square Kilometre Array Project Office.

The IAU strategic plan was ratified by its members in 2009, at its General
Assembly. Since then a global coordinating office (the OAD) was established
in Cape Town, South Africa, and has led the implementation of this plan.
Other regional nodes have already been established in China for the East
Asian region, Thailand for the South East Asian region and Ethiopia for the
East African region. The establishment of this Southern African regional
node is significant as this part of the continent is currently very active
in terms of the development of world class astronomy facilities including
the optical Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the radio Karoo Array
Telescope (MeerKAT) and the gamma-ray High Energy Stereoscopic System
(HESS). The office in Zambia will need to rally all these advantages to
benefit the region at large.

*Director of the OAD Kevin Govender* comments on the signing of this
agreement:

"Zambia is ideally positioned to play a leadership role in this field. Not
only is it a part of the Square Kilometre Array project, but its consistent
commitment to developing astronomy capacity nationally serves as an example
to other countries in the region. Since the International Year of Astronomy
in 2009 we have seen Zambia regularly represented in various global
astronomy education and outreach projects. Their experience and dedication
to the field of astronomy will be a great benefit to the region."

This office will also reach out to other countries in Africa which, like
Zambia, form part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. This is a
key task to ensure that all countries involved in the SKA have the skills
and personnel required both to derive maximum benefit from the iconic
telescope project and to help make the SKA a scientific success.

*Dean of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Copperbelt
University, Professor F.P. Tailoka: *"The Copperbelt University and the
country at large are delighted to host the Southern African Regional Office
of Astronomy for Development. We are grateful to the International
Astronomical Union (IAU) and other cooperating partners for facilitating
the signing of this important agreement. As the motto of our university
states '*Knowledge and Service*' - it is our belief that Zambia will
continue developing as long as scientific principles form part of the
services offered. We are so pleased to be part of the implementation of the
IAU's strategic plan. Zambia is a partner country of the Square Kilometer
Array (SKA) project. This gives us an opportunity to participate in world
class astronomy research. We look forward to seeing the Zambian community,
and the rest of the region, realizing the benefits of astronomy."

Signing the agreement on behalf of the IAU, *Assistant General Secretary
Piero Benvenuti said*

"Astronomy is possibly the most ancient scientific activity of the mankind
and IAU is committed to maintain and spread worldwide this precious
heritage. Astronomy however is not only pure science, it is a fascinating
cultural adventure that engages the entire society and brings many
benefits. It is a powerful attraction to young generations to follow
mathematical and scientific curricula and, with its most recent projects,
like the Square Kilometre Array, it fosters advanced technological
developments. It is therefore with great satisfaction that IAU praises the
Zambian Government and the Copperbelt University for their farsighted
support to the establishment of the Southern African Regional Office of
Astronomy for Development."

This agreement follows the IAU's Announcement of Opportunity which remains
open to letters of intent and proposals from all around the world to host
similar nodes. The partners of this regional node will establish a steering
committee which consists of relevant expertise and representation.

**************************************************************************

*Notes:*

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together
almost 11,000 distinguished astronomers from all nations of the world. Its
mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its
aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the
internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to
celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU
is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

The IAU established the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) in
partnership with the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). The
OAD was officially opened on 16th April 2011 at the South African
Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa. Since then
three Regional Nodes, one Language Expertise Centre and three Task Forces
have been established. In 2012 the first of the open annual Call for
Proposals was launched for each of the task forces: Universities and
Research (TF1); Children and Schools (TF2); and Public Outreach (TF3).

The Copperbelt University was established as a Public University by Act of
Parliament No. 19 on 1st December 1987. It is Zambia's second largest
public university, located in Kitwe in the Copperbelt Province. The
Copperbelt University has seven schools (faculties) offering programs in
natural sciences, engineering, mining, medicine and business studies. The
current number of student enrollment stands around 13, 000. The School of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences was established in June 2008 with a vision
to become a recognised centre of excellence committed to the advancement of
mathematical and scientific knowledge, innovations, and the exemplary
teaching/learning of mathematics and sciences.

*Links*

*           IAU website: http://www.iau.org

*           OAD website: http://www.astro4dev.org

*           The Strategic Plan:
http://iau.org/static/education/strategicplan_2010-2020.pdf

*           The Announcement of Opportunity:
http://www.astro4dev.org/oadregions/

*           Copperbelt University: http://www.cbu.edu.zm/

*For more information*

Kevin Govender

Director, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)

Tel: +27 21 460 9350

Cellular: +27 82 487 8466

Email: kg at astro4dev.org

Ms Grace Sampa

The Copperbelt University

Cellular: +260 9535 28090

Email: grace.mikunga at cbu.ac.zm

Prospery Simpemba

The Copperbelt University

School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Cellular: +260 968 585858

Email: pcs200800 at gmail.com

Piero Benvenuti

Assistant General Secretary, International Astronomical Union

IAU Secretariat, Paris, France

Tel: +33 1 43 25 83 58

Email: piero.benvenuti at unipd.it

Lars Lindberg Christensen

IAU Press Officer

ESO ePOD, Garching, Germany

Tel: +49 89 3200 6761

Cellular: +49 173 3872 621
E-mail: lars at eso.org

-- 
Kevin Govender
IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
www.astro4dev.org
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