South African to head office for global astronomy development
By: Enrico Olivier
Mr. Kevin Govender, from the South African Astronomical Observatory, has been appointed to the prestigious position of Director of the International Office for Astronomy Development (OAD) with effect from March 1, 2011. The OAD, an intiative by the International Astronomical Union (IAU, which is the world body for astronomy), will coordinate a wide range of activities designed to stimulate astronomy and its development throughout the world.
Mr. Govender, currently the head of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Collateral Benefits Division at SAAO, has been driving the SAAO’s involvement in education, outreach and community development activities for the last 5 years.
Mr Govender was chosen from a pool of international expertise, by a panel which included senior scientists and dignitaries from South Africa and around the world.
For further details on the OAD itself, see http://www.saao.ac.za/no_cache/public-info/news/news/article/185/41/
Mr Govender can be contacted through SAAO.