About the school
In East Africa, there are low numbers of highly skilled and well trained young scientist in the field of Astronomy and astronomical data-intensive research. In the past, there had been a number of trainings and workshops of astronomy conducted in the region with individuals as well as institutional efforts in different formats. However, there was no school or training center formed so far that continuously provide this training in a well coordinated and sustainable manner. It was also difficult to monitor and measure the impact it has created in the region sofar. It, is therefore, needs a mechanism to create regional platform and regional node of coordination, to develop long-term collaborations at regional and international level by launching regional Astronomical School.
East Africa School of Astronomy (EA-SA) contains training of how to use and practice Astronomical instruments; apply Astronomical software’s, big data analysis that can be applied to multi sector fields at academia, governmental and industry level that fits to the modern technology and global market demand. It also incorporates science communication skills to enhance the trainee’s interpersonal relation as well as communications skills.
The school will be organized and coordinated by East Africa regional office of Astronomy for Development (EA-ROAD) in partnership with East Africa Astronomical Society (EAAS) and other supporters of the school.
The school is planned to be conducted biannually and it is linked with the general Assembly (GA) of East Africa Astronomical Society (EAAS). It is planned to be conducted for one week prior to the EAAS general Assembly. The main reason why the school is associated with EAAS is to connect early career scientist and graduates with East Africa senior scientists so as to create network, collaboration and role models.
The target audience of the project is early carrier BSC graduates and MSc students from Astronomy and Science background. It is expected that at least 25 students to participated in the School. The School Course will be delivered by partnering with scientific experts working in the field regionally and internationally. The School is open for all participants from the region with equal participation. It will consider half of the trainee to be female and hence promotes empowerment of women and inclusiveness.