IAU STRATEGIC PLAN “ASTRONOMY FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD”
BUILDING FROM IYA 2009
• Why astronomy for capacity building?
• Present IAU activities - education and development
• Vision goals and strategy of plan
• Implementation and present status
GEORGE MILEY Leiden University
IAU Executive Committee
http://iau.org/static/education/strategicplan_091001.pdf
ASTRONOMY
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
WHY ASTRONOMY FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD?
ASTRONOMY
OPTICS High-precision adaptive
optics COMPUTERS Fastest hardware
Complex software
ELECTRONICS Most sensitive
detectors Fastest clocks
SPACE Satellites Miniaturization
Precision
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
ASTRONOMY
OPTICS High-precision adaptive
opticsCOMPUTERS Fastest
hardware Complex software
ELECTRONICS Most sensitive
detectors Fastest clocks
SPACE Satellites Miniaturization
Precision
PHYSICS
Laboratory of extremes Making heavy elements
CHEMISTRY
Producing organic molecules
BIOLOGY
Building blocks of life
MATHEM-ATICS Abstract thought
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
ASTRONOMY AS SCIENCE
• Inexpensive laboratories for studying laws of physics under extreme conditions:
– Largest energies (~ 1061 erg). – Largest densities 1018 kg/m3. – Most tenuous vacuum – Largest sizes > 10 million light years
• Frontier science do-able from anywhere in world
ASTRONOMY
OPTICS High-precision adaptive
opticsCOMPUTERS Fastest
hardware Complex software
ELECTRONICS Most sensitive
detectors Fastest clocks
SPACE Satellites Miniaturization
Precision
PHYSICS
Laboratory of extremes Making heavy elements
CHEMISTRY
Producing organic molecules
BIOLOGY
Building blocks of life
MATHEM-ATICS Application of sophisticated formalisms
INSPIRATION
Career in science and technology
ANTHRO-POLOGY
Ancient civilizations
Our roots
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
ASTRONOMY
OPTICS High-precision adaptive
opticsCOMPUTERS Fastest
hardware Complex software
ELECTRONICS Most sensitive
detectors Fastest clocks
SPACE Satellites Miniaturization
Precision
PHYSICS
Laboratory of extremes Making heavy elements
CHEMISTRY
Producing organic molecules
BIOLOGY
Building blocks of life
MATHEM-ATICS Application of sophisticated formalisms
INSPIRATION
Career in science and technology
ANTHRO-POLOGY
Ancient civilizations
Our roots
HISTORY
Evolution of Universe
Our roots
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
ASTRONOMY
OPTICS High-precision adaptive
opticsCOMPUTERS Fastest
hardware Complex software
ELECTRONICS Most sensitive
detectors Fastest clocks
SPACE Satellites Miniaturization
Precision
PHYSICS
Laboratory of extremes Making heavy elements
CHEMISTRY
Producing organic molecules
BIOLOGY
Building blocks of life
MATHEM-ATICS Application of sophisticated formalisms
INSPIRATION
Career in science and technology
ANTHRO-POLOGY
Ancient civilizations
Our roots
HISTORY
Evolution of Universe
Our roots
PERSPECTIVE
IMMENSITY OF UNIVERSE
Tolerance and global citizenship
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
ASTRONOMY
OPTICS High-precision adaptive
opticsCOMPUTERS
Fastest hardware Complex software
ELECTRONICS Most sensitive
detectors Fastest clocks
SPACE Satellites Miniaturization
Precision
PHYSICS
Laboratory of extremes Making heavy elements
CHEMISTRY
Producing organic molecules
BIOLOGY
Building blocks of life
MATHEM-ATICS Abstract thought
INSPIRATION
Career in science and technology
ANTHRO-POLOGY Ancient civilizations
Our roots
HISTORY
Evolution of Universe
Our roots
PERSPECTIVE IMMENSITY OF
UNIVERSE
Tolerance and global citizenship
TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
PRE-IYA IAU CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES Commission 46 (President: Rosa Ros)
PROGRAM GROUP
PURPOSE ACTIVITY LEAD
World Wide Development of Astronomy (WWDA)
Initial contact with developing country
Visits and scientific lectures
John Hearnshaw
Teaching for Astronomy Development (TAD)
Astronomy education at university level
Visits and national schools for undergraduates
Ed Guinan + Larry Marschall
International Schools for Young Astronomers (ISYA)
Stimulate young researchers in developing countries
Regional schools for graduate students
Jean-Pierre De Greve
IAU COMMISSION 46 PROGRAM GROUP
TEACHING FOR ASTRONOMY DEVELOPMENT (TAD)Present Co-Chairs Ed Guinan and Larry Marschall
• Assist in development of astronomical education– Visits, development of courses, sponsoring of national schools– Oriented towards university education
RECENT COUNTRIES TARGETED BY TAD
TAD SCHOOL MONGOLIA 2008
IAU CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES (PRE-IYA)Commission 46 (President: Rosa Ros)
PROGRAM GROUP
PURPOSE ACTIVITY LEAD
World Wide Development of Astronomy (WWDA)
Initial contact with developing country
Visits and scientific lectures
John Hearnshaw
Teaching for Astronomy Development (TAD)
Astronomy education at university level
Visits and national schools for undergraduates
Ed Guinan + Larry Marschall
International Schools for Young Astronomers (ISYA)
Stimulate young researchers in developing countries
Regional schools for graduate students
Jean-Pierre De Greve
BUILDIN
G RESEARCH C
APACITY
NEW IAU CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES(Pre-University Education)
PROGRAM GROUP
PURPOSE ACTIVITY LEAD
Galileo Teachers Training Program (GTTP)
Teacher training.
Complementary to NASE
High-tech tools and resources.
Rosa Doran
Network for Astronomy School Education (NASE)
Teacher training.
Complementary to GTTP
Regional schools, particularly in developing countries.
Develop and translate material.
Rosa Ros
Universe Awareness (UNAWE)
Use astronomy to inspire very young children:
Give perspective, broaden minds, introduce rational thought
Expose children aged 4 – 10 to inspirational aspects of astronomy.
Concentrates on under-privileged children
Carolina Ödman
NEW IAU CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES(Pre-University Education)
PROGRAM GROUP
PURPOSE ACTIVITY LEAD
Galileo Teachers Training Program (GTTP)
Teacher training.
Complementary to NASE
High-tech tools and resources.
Rosa Doran
Network for Astronomy School Education (NASE)
Teacher training.
Complementary to GTTP
Regional schools, particularly in developing countries.
Develop and translate material.
Rosa Ros
Universe Awareness (UNAWE)
Use astronomy to inspire very young children:
Give perspective, broaden minds, introduce rational thought
Expose children aged 4 – 10 to inspirational aspects of astronomy.
Concentrates on under-privileged children
Carolina Ödman
ASTRONOMY EDUCATION PROGRAM WITH SOCIAL GOALS
UNIVERSE AWARENESS
“UN-AWE”
Programme thatExposes DISADVANTAGED young children (4 – 10)
to INSPIRATIONAL aspects of astronomy
* Bottom-up network* ~ 500 dedicated multidisciplinary experts * in ~ 40 countries
UNAWE - MOTIVATION• Ages 4 - 10 are crucial for child development
• Beauty and size of the Universe excite young children– Gives perspective – stimulates tolerance and sense of world citezenship– Gateway to science and rational thought
• Most need for economically disadvantaged children
• Combat fanaticism
"Fanatic ethnic, religious or national identifications are difficult to support when we see our planet as a fragile, blue crescent fading to become an inconspicuous point of light against the bastion and citadel of the stars. “ CARL SAGAN
MOTIVATION FOR IAU DECADAL PLAN
• Fostering astronomy in developing countries is important part of IAU mission
• Continue momentum of IYA and relevant cornerstone programs– “Building from IYA 2009”– e.g. Developing astronomy globally
• Plan for Astronomy Education and Outreach in Africa
• Rationalise and coordinate diverse existing Commission 46 activities– Much achieved already with volunteers and relatively meager resources
• 10,000 members + postdocs + PhD students etc.– Cannot be expanded further purely on voluntary basis
• Exploit new opportunities in development and education
• Prerequisite to external fund-raising
IAU STRATEGIC PLAN
• Long-term vision– All countries participate at some level in astronomical research
– All children exposed to some knowledge about astronomy as part of their education
• Goals for 2010 – 2020– Raise the level of astronomy in as many countries as possible by one or
more category, while maximising the size of the population affected.
– Work to include aspects of astronomy in primary and secondary education of as many children as possible
ELEMENTS OF PLAN - 1 • Integrated STRATEGIC PHASED approach (e.g. IYA Cornerstone “Developing astronomy globally)
– Education (primary, secondary, tertiary ), Research, Public outreach
ELEMENTS OF ASTRONOMY FOR DEVELOPMENT
ASTRONOMY
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Tertiary EducationResearch
Science Public Outreach
Excites Stimulates imagination
Introduces scienceGives perspective
Inspires Gateway to sciences
Stimulates career in science and engineering
Analytic skillsWork in international teams
Preparation for careersin technology & management
Inexpensive entry to visible world-class researchand cutting-edge technology
Most approachable scienceWide interest
STAGES OF ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
• Developed Group 1A• 4 IAU Members per million
• Developed Group 1B• 0.5 - 4 IAU members per million• Participate in or host front-line facilities
• Emerging Group 2• 0.5 - 4 IAU members per million• Do not yet participate in or host front-line facilities
• Developing Group 3• Not yet national member of IAU, but > 1 individual IAU members
• Potential developing Group 4• No astronomers as yet, but well-developed tertiary education
• Underdeveloped Group 5• No astronomers. Tertiary education not yet well-developed
STAGES OF ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
• Developed Group 1A• 4 IAU Members per million
• Developed Group 1B• 0.5 - 4 IAU members per million• Participate in or host front-line facilities
• Emerging Group 2• 0.5 - 4 IAU members per million• Do not yet participate in or host front-line facilities
• Developing Group 3• Not yet national member of IAU, but > 1 individual IAU members
• Potential developing Group 4• No astronomers as yet, but well-developed tertiary education
• Underdeveloped Group 5• No astronomers. Tertiary education not yet well-developed
TARGET FOR STIMULATING RESEARCH GROWTH
TARGET FOR STIMULATING RESEARCH GROWTH
TARGET FOR INITIATING RESEARCH GROUPS
TARGET FOR STIMULATING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
ELEMENTS OF PLAN - 2 • Integrated STRATEGIC PHASED approach
– Education (primary, secondary, tertiary ), Research, Public outreach• New Comm. 46 Program Group for primary and secondary education• Coordination with complementary programs and amateur astronomer groups
• Increase regional involvement – Regional nodes– Better appreciation of special conditions and closer to the targets– Bottom-up approach
ASTRONOMY RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
• Considerable differences between regions• Sub-Saharan Africa is least developed
No. of countries
GENERAL WORLD EDUCATION STATE
• Considerable differences between regions• Sub-Saharan Africa has most need for education
Literacy etc
ELEMENTS OF PLAN - 3 • Integrated STRATEGIC PHASED approach
– Education (primary, secondary, tertiary ), Research, Public outreach• New Comm. 46 Program Group for primary and secondary education• Coordination with complementary programs and amateur astronomer groups
• Increase regional involvement – Regional nodes– Better appreciation of special conditions and closer to the targets– Bottom-up approach– Special attention to Sub-Saharan Africa
• Enlarge number of active volunteers– Potential people resources
• ~ 10,000 IAU members (established professional astronomers)• Postdocs and graduate students• Astronomy teachers, educational experts, outreach specialists• Amateur astronomers• Mobilize expatriates
ELEMENTS OF PLAN - 4 • Integrated STRATEGIC phased approach
– Education (primary, secondary, tertiary ), Research, Public outreach• Increase regional involvement
– Special attention to Sub-Saharan Africa• Enlarge number of active volunteers
• Initiation of new programs– Endowed semi-popular lectureship program
• Also astronomy-related technology– Long-term (sustainable) institute twinning
• Use IYA as springboard– Continue and stimulate relevant cornerstone projects
• e.g. Developing science globally, Teacher training, UNAWE, Galileoscopes– Build on IYA networks (SPOCS etc)
• Exploit new possibilties– Internet– Archives of large astronomical facilities
USEFUL EDUCATIONAL TOOLS – 1ASTRO-BUS
• Innovative activity of La Cité des Sciences, Tunis. • Transports small telescope + mini-planetarium + exhibition. • Inspiring children throughout Tunisia, even in remotest villages.• During 2008 > reached 150,000 children!
Idea could be exported to many countries
USEFUL EDUCATIONAL TOOLS – 3 ROBOTIC TELESCOPE NETWORKS
• Faulkes Telescope Project– Las Cumbres Observatory
• For use by schools
Small telescopes and planetaria donated by Official Development Assistance (ODA) of JAPAN
Astronomical Equipment (reflecting telescope and
accessories)
Planetarium
USEFUL EDUCATIONAL TOOLS – 4
7 telescopes, 20 planetaria to 22 developing nations
ELEMENTS OF STRATEGIC PLAN - 5 • Integrated STRATEGIC phased approach
– Education (primary, secondary, tertiary ), Research, Public outreach• Increase regional involvement
– Special attention to Sub-Saharan Africa• Enlarge number of active volunteers• Initiation of new programs• Use IYA as springboard
– Continue and stimulate cornerstone projects• Exploit new possibilities
– Internet– Archives of large astronomical facilities– Astro-buses – Galileoscopes– Robotic telescope networks
• Creation of small professional IAU Global Development Office (2FTE) for coordination– Essential to facilitate expansion of activities, realise potential and demonstrate
professional management for fund givers • e.g. IYA, UNAWE
IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN • Flexibly
– In step with available funding
• Establishment of GDO/OAD has priority– Fund-raising and coordination
PRESENT STATUS • AO for Global Astronomy Office of Development
– Letters of intent – 31 December 2009• Overwhelming response: ~ 40 submitted
– Proposals - 28 February 2010• 20 submitted
– Selection by IAU Executive Committee (10 people) May 2010• Confidential independent ranking, telecon discussion• 2010 face-to-face meeting Baltimore :11 – 13 May
– Recruitment of Director
– Iteration of strategy
– Announcement of opportunity for regional nodes
– Fund raising for activities
IAU BUDGET FOR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
General Assemblies10%
Scientific Activities27%
Educational Activities
10%
Executive Committee
16%
Secretariat/Admin37%
General Assemblies15%
Scientific Activities24%
Educational Activities
17%
Executive Committee
17%
Secretariat/Admin27%
2007 - 2009 2010 - 2012
10% 17%€ 144,000 annually
Culture
INSPIRATION
Technology
Science
• Long-term vision
• Goals for 2010 – 2020
• Strategy– Build on IYA momentum and
cornerstones– Integrated strategic phased approach– Increase regional involvement
(bottom-up)– Enlarge number of active volunteers– Initiate new types of activity– Advance UN Millennium Goals– Exploit new tools and opportunities – Create small “Office for Astronomy
Development”
• Implementation roadmap
• Fundraising possibilities
“Exploring the Universe
for the benefit of humankind”
IAU STRATEGIC PLAN “ASTRONOMY FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD”
http://iau.org/static/education/strategicplan_091001.pdf
ANNUAL DIRECT COSTS
Astronomy for universities and research
Visits Training schools Institute twinning
€ 300,000
Astronomy for Schools Training schools € 100,000
Public outreach Endowed lectures € 100,000
5 regional node institutes
5 x € 30,000 € 150,000
Regional coordinator support
5 x € 15,000 € 75,000
IAU Global development office
DirectorAdministrative assistant
€ 250,000
FUNDING ACTIVITIES
• ~ € 1M per year needed for IAU programs and coordination• Larger amount (> € 10M) needed for complementary programs (primary,
secondary education) – Ambitious but feasible goal for decade as whole
• Small voluntary levy on astronomical projects and institutes in developed countries (~0.7%?)
• (Voluntary?) “development levy on IAU membership dues
• In-kind contributions from host institutes
• International and national foundations
• Multinational companies operating in developing countries
• International and regional development agencies
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