Part of the OAD’s strategy is to coordinate global “flagship” or “signature” projects, which would be implemented on a much larger scale than those funded through the annual call for proposals, and funded through external fundraising. Flagships are seen as an effective means for achieving significant impact of astronomy for development over a substantial part of the world. 

The OAD has identified five flagship themes that encapsulate the idea of astronomy for development, and which have the potential for global roll-out. The selection of these themes was based on the experience gained from supporting 160 projects (and reviewing about 1000 proposals) since 2013, and with input from 10 regional offices around the world, as well as special OAD projects, partnerships, international trends, etc.

The five themes that emerged from a consultative and review process are:

1. Stimulating economies (e.g. astrotourism, observatories for communities, etc)

2. Science diplomacy (e.g. peace, post-conflict, partnerships, policy, etc)

3. Knowledge and skills from astronomy (e.g. data science, teacher training, schools, etc)

4. Technology from astronomy (e.g. software, water, solar, dark skies, etc)

5. Addressing inequality (e.g. gender, geographic, ability, etc)

The OAD is currently focusing on Themes 1,2, and 3, developing them into 3 Flagships: Sustainable, local socio-economic development through Astronomy, Science diplomacy through Astronomy: Celebrating our Common Humanity, and Knowledge and Skills for Development.

Go to the next page to read more about the flagship themes. 

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