1. About the IAU 386 Symposium Organization
| Host Institute | .Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI)- Entoto Observatory Research Center (EORC) |
| Co-Organizers | . FDRE Ministry of Tourism (MOT) . Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT). . East Africa Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (EA- ROAD) . Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) . Africa Astronomical Society (AfAS) |
| IAU Coordinating division | Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage |
| Supporters | IAU-Offices related .Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) .Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) .Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO)Office for Young Astronomers (OYA) .2-OAD regional offices in Africa -Southern Africa Regional office of Astronomy for Development (SAROAD) -Western Africa Regional office of Astronomy for Development (WAROAD) Astronomical Societies: . African Astronomical Society (AfAS) . East Africa astronomical Society (EAAS) |
| Sponsors |
2. About SSGI
In May 2022, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI) and the Geospatial Information Institute (GII) merged to become the new Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), which aims to enhance the collective use of space and geospatial technologies and provide better administration. SSGI is a federal governmental institute established with regulation no 511/2022 and works on space science and geospatial sectors.
SSGI envisions to fully exploit multidimensional uses of space science and technology in the space and geospatial sectors and be a robust contributor for the national development. It provides support, guidance and leadership in implementing the space policy and strategies in the country. It conducts research, training, and consultancies that support national developmental activities and capacitates utilization, adaption, improvement, and production of space and geospatial products and services. It also ensures the development of space and geospatial infrastructures and technologies for these purposes.
SSGI has a mandate of lead and coordinate national space science and geospatial activities; create cooperation and partnership with foreign peer institutions; represent Ethiopia in regional and international fora. It encourages and support governmental and private institutions, individuals, researches, professional and civic associations contributing to advance the space and geospatial sector by sharing infrastructure, providing data, consultancy, training, technical and financial support. SSGI has also duties and power to identify, develop and administer special astronomical sited in the country based on the research.
There are eight centers run by SSGI under its institute, including the Entoto Observatory Research Center (EORC) and centers for aeronautics and astronautics. In addition to performing research, these centers are also involved in MSc and PhD postgraduate training. (https://ssgi.gov.et/ to be launched soon)
https://essti.gov.et/, http://www.gii.gov.et/
2.1. About EORC
SSGI administered Entoto observatory research center (EORC), where research and postgraduate programs carried out in astronomy and astrophysics, space science application, remote sensing and geodesy fields of study. Since its establishment and the launch of the postgraduate program at EORC in 2014, 16 PhD and 30 MSc students have graduated to date.
The Astronomy and Astrophysics department of EORC worked on several projects and activities related to the advancement of astronomy and space science in the nation in collaboration with national, regional, and international organizations working in the area. Some of the programs that SSGI oversees under EORC include Astro-tourism, site testing projects, and the identification of potential astronomical sites.
The first astronomical observatory in the country, the Enoto Observatory, is situated on the outskirts of Addis Ababa and houses two twin optical telescopes with a 1-meter diameter. One of the potential astronomical sites in Ethiopia where site testing has already begun is the Lalibela Astronomical site in the north. The feasibility assessment has also been done in a number of other suitable highland sites in southern Ethiopia.
3. About MINT
The innovation and technology ministry is one of the 19 ministerial offices re-organize in a new manner by being accountable to the office of the prime minister after duly established as per Article 55 Sub Article 1 of the FDRE Proclamation No. 1097/2018. MINT has the mission to ensure the sustainability of the country’s development by creating an environment in which innovation systems are implemented and vision of building a country that is conducive for job and wealth creation through technology and innovation. Website
4. About MOT
Ministry of Tourism (MOT) established with the vision of making Ethiopia among the top five tourist destinations in Africa by 2025 and has a mission to develop the country’s tourist destinations in collaboration with various stakeholders, market and promote the destination at national and international level through employing competitive marketing and promotional strategies.
5. About EA-ROAD
East Africa Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (EA-ROAD) is one of Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) offices in Eastern Africa opened in 2014 and hosted by Ethiopia at Space Science and geospatial Institute (SSGI).
The main objective of the office is to further the use of astronomy as a tool for development by mobilizing regional and international collaborations, the human and financial resources to realize the scientific, technological and cultural benefits to society and implementing the IAU’s strategic plan and missions of OAD. The office mainly focusses on providing regional coordination and facilitation, strategic advice and guidance, fund and monitor projects, implement regional projects and IAU strategic plans, and looking for possible funding in support of sustainable development goals in the region.
6. About ESSS
Ethiopian space science society was established in 2004, with 47 founding members. It is a non-profitable organization constitute of members from Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Science and technology and related field of professionals as well as individual and institutional members interested in the above fields. The society has more than 10,000 individual members, 28 branches associations, 52 institutional members and 100 school space clubs. https://www.ethiosss.org/
7. About AfAS
African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is a Pan-African Professional Society of Astronomers. AfAS has a vision to create and support a globally competitive and collaborative astronomy community in Africa. AfAS mission is to be the voice of astronomy in Africa and to contribute to addressing the challenges faced by Africa through the promotion and advancement of astronomy. AfAS key objective is to develop Astronomy and Human Capacity throughout the continent of Africa through a vibrant and active AfAS. The Secretariat of AfAS is currently hosted by South Africa through the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and our office is located at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town. https://www.africanastronomicalsociety.org/