Dr. Connie Walker is a scientist at the US National Center for Optical-Infrared Astronomy (NSF’s NOIRLab ). She is involved with light pollution issues on the ground and in space, and coordinates NOIRLab’s Office of Observatory Site Protection. She directs Globe at Night, an international citizen-science program that rates night sky brightness. She holds leadership roles in dark skies protection within the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, and the International Dark-Sky Association. In 2020 and 2021, she co-chaired four conferences focusing on the impacts of satellite constellations and artificial light at night.

Recently, Dr. Connie was appointed co-director of the new IAU Center on the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS, USA). Dr. Connie has wide experience and expertise in dark and quiet sky preservation. She has received the honors of the IDA’s Hoag-Robinson Award, and an asteroid was named after her (Asteroid 29292 Connie Walker).

Kevin Govender is the founder and director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) since 2011. Under his leadership, the OAD has established 11 regional offices and language centers globally and has made significant strides in advancing the use of astronomy as a tool for sustainable development.

Kevin has extensive experience in using astronomy for development during his previous position as the Manager of the SALT Collateral Benefits Programme at the South African Astronomical Observatory(SAAO). He also chaired the Developing Astronomy Globally Cornerstone Project of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) and was involved in the development of the IAU Strategic Plan.

Kevin Govender is a renowned figure in the field of astronomy, particularly in the application of astronomy for societal development. He possesses vast experience and knowledge of how Astro-tourism benefits and transforms the livelihoods of grassroots societies. Kevin is the first South African to be awarded the prestigious Edinburgh Medal for Science, jointly with the International Astronomical Union.

Dr. Antonia Varela is the Managing Director of the Starlight Foundation and an Astrophysicist and Researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC). She is also a member of the Sky Quality Group of the IAC, which focuses on characterizing the observatories in the Canary Islands. With a hundred publications in scientific journals and numerous contributions to national and international congresses, Dr. Varela has established herself as a prolific researcher. Additionally, she has made over 500 outreach contributions to promote astronomy to the wider public.

Dr. Varela has been involved in 22 national and international R&D projects, serving as a referee for articles in scientific journals and as a project adviser for the State Research Agency of Spain. Her notable achievements include contributing to the site selection process for the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC, 10.4m) and participating in the site selection committees of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). Recently, she has collaborated on projects such as the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), the European Solar Telescope (EST), and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

Sonal Asgotraa is the Founder of Astrostays. An electrical engineer by profession, Sonal merges Astronomy and community development interventions to create a community-led astro-tourism initiative that transforms village homestays into Cultural and Astronomy Hubs and brings economic benefits of tourism directly to lesser-known, remote areas.

Ruskin Hartley is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association). In this role, he champions equitable access to dark skies and quality lighting for all through DarkSky’s award-winning programs. Ruskin works closely with volunteer leaders and donors to secure increased support for our priorities worldwide. Ruskin believes restoring the natural nighttime environment is an urgent environmental issue that will benefit all living things.

Before this position, Ruskin directed and managed conservation programs that protect land, water, and ocean resources. He served as executive director of Save the Redwoods League, a non-profit dedicated to protecting and restoring the redwood forest. He also served as the president and CEO of Heal the Bay in Los Angeles and vice president of resource development at Fair Trade USA, an award-winning social enterprise seeking to alleviate poverty worldwide.

Dr.Mirjana Pović is a Serbian-Spanish astrophysicist, working as an assistant professor at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), an associate researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía in Spain, and as an honorary lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. Over more than 10 years, she worked on development in astronomy, science, and education in different parts of Africa, through different projects and initiatives related to research collaborations, education, institutional development, human capacity building, policy development, and women in science.

She is a current secretary of the IAU Division C on Education, Outreach and Heritage, African Astronomical Society Science Committee member, co-convener of the Astrophysics and Cosmology Working Group under the African Strategy for Fundamental and Applied Physics, and founder of the African Network of Women in Astronomy. She received several awards and recognitions for her scientific achievements and contribution to society, in particular for her work in Africa, including the 2018 inaugural Nature Research Award for Inspiring Science, and the 2021 inaugural European Astronomical Society Jocelyn Bell Burnell Inspiration Medal.

Audrey Dikgale-Mahlakoana is a Deputy Director in Multiwavelength Astronomy at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). Her role involves supporting astronomy initiatives such as the African Astronomical Society, SAAO, OAD, IAU-GA-2024, and Astrolab workshops in terms of governance oversight and budgetary requirements. She was part of a team that worked on the Astro-tourism strategy and its implementation plan in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

Audrey was one of the first radio telescope operators in South Africa at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. She operated KAT-7 antennas and eventually led the Operations Team as a Telescope Operators Team Lead during the commissioning of the Meerkat Telescope.

Dr. Solomon Belay is an Associate Professor of Astrophysics and the IAU Vice President, as well as the President of the National Committee for Astronomy in Ethiopia. He currently serves as a Science Advisor at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT) of Ethiopia and previously held the position of General Director at the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI).

Dr. Belay is one of the founders of the Space Science Society (ESSS) and has been instrumental in advancing astronomy in Ethiopia. He played a crucial role in establishing the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI) and the Entoto Observatory Research Center (EORC) in Ethiopia.

Angchuk serves as the Engineer in charge of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics’ (IIA) Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle. In this role, he leads the initiatives aimed at developing and implementing the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, a project focused on preserving and protecting the pristine night skies in the region.

Furthermore, Angchuk holds the distinction of being an Indian Honorary Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). This recognition highlights his contributions and standing within the global astronomical community.

Apart from his responsibilities at the IIA and the Hanle project, it is fascinating to learn that Angchuk has also pursued a career as a professional astro-photographer. This demonstrates his passion for capturing awe-inspiring images of celestial objects, combining technical expertise with artistic vision.

Overall, Angchuk’s role as an engineer, his involvement in creating the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, and his status as an Indian Honorary Member of the IAU, along with his career as a professional astro-photographer, showcases his diverse and remarkable contributions to the field of astronomy.