<div dir="ltr">Dear all<div>Another big step for Astronomy in Africa!<br><div>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. </div>
<div>The website will be <a href="http://southernafrica.astro4dev.org">http://southernafrica.astro4dev.org</a>.</div><div>Regards</div><div>Kevin</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">
<b><span style="font-size:14pt">Zambia hosts Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Director of the OAD Kevin Govender</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt"> comments on the signing of this agreement:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">“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.”<br>
<br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt">Dean of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Copperbelt University, Professor F.P. Tailoka: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt">“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 ‘<i>Knowledge and Service</i>’ - 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.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt">Signing the agreement on behalf of the IAU, <b>Assistant General Secretary Piero Benvenuti said</b><a name="_GoBack"></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt">"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."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">**************************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Notes:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt">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).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt">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. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">The School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences was established in June 2008 with a vision to </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt">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.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Links</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">• IAU website: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.iau.org/"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">http://www.iau.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">• OAD website: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.astro4dev.org/"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">http://www.astro4dev.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">• The Strategic Plan: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://iau.org/static/education/strategicplan_2010-2020.pdf"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">http://iau.org/static/education/strategicplan_2010-2020.pdf</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">• The Announcement of Opportunity: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.astro4dev.org/oadregions/"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">http://www.astro4dev.org/oadregions/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">• Copperbelt University: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.cbu.edu.zm/"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">http://www.cbu.edu.zm/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">For more information</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size:11pt">Kevin Govender</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Director, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Tel: +27 21 460 9350</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Cellular: +27 82 487 8466</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Email: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:kg@astro4dev.org"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">kg@astro4dev.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Ms Grace Sampa</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">The Copperbelt University</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Cellular: +260 9535 28090</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Email: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:grace.mikunga@cbu.ac.zm"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">grace.mikunga@cbu.ac.zm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Prospery Simpemba</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">The Copperbelt University</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Cellular: +260 968 585858</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Email: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:pcs200800@gmail.com"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">pcs200800@gmail.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Piero Benvenuti</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Assistant General Secretary, International Astronomical Union</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">IAU Secretariat, Paris, France</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Tel: +33 1 43 25 83 58</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Email: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:piero.benvenuti@unipd.it"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">piero.benvenuti@unipd.it</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt"></span><span style="font-size:11pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Lars Lindberg Christensen</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">IAU Press Officer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">ESO ePOD, Garching, Germany</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Tel: +49 89 3200 6761</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Cellular: +49 173 3872 621</span></p>
<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Times New Roman',serif">E-mail: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><a href="mailto:lars@eso.org"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size:11pt">lars@eso.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"> </span><br clear="all">
<div><br></div>-- <br>Kevin Govender<br>IAU Office of Astronomy for Development<br><a href="http://www.astro4dev.org">www.astro4dev.org</a><br></div></div>
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