IT'S ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE ANNUAL BRICS ASTRONOMY WORKING GROUP 2026 MEETING TO BE HELD IN INDIA

The 12th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Meeting will take place from 26 to 30 October 2026 in Pune, India. The meeting brings together researchers, government representatives, educators, science communicators and astronomy stakeholders to strengthen scientific collaboration and advance shared priorities in astronomy across BRICS member countries. Hosted by the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India, the meeting will focus on Multi-messenger and Multi-wavelength Transients, while exploring opportunities to advance research, develop scientific skills and expand astronomy’s societal benefits.

Mr Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director of Astronomy at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), will lead South Africa’s delegation. The delegation comprises 17 representatives from several South African institutions, including the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO), South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRF-SARAO), the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Their participation highlights South Africa’s contribution to the Working Group and the role of national research institutions and universities in advancing collaborative astronomy. The institutions will participate in presentations on the state of astronomy in BRICS member countries, highlighting recent scientific developments, strategic priorities and policy perspectives. These discussions will help inform collective planning and provide an opportunity to identify shared challenges and opportunities across the BRICS astronomy community.

As BRICS astronomy cooperation continues to expand, the meeting provides an opportunity to consolidate existing partnerships, advance shared research priorities and establish new avenues for collaboration. For South Africa, these engagements are important for strengthening the national astronomy landscape, connecting local expertise with international research networks, and supporting the development of skills, innovation and public engagement. By bringing together scientific research, policy dialogue, capacity building and public engagement, the BAWG reinforces astronomy’s contribution to scientific advancement and sustainable development across BRICS countries.

The annual BAWG business meeting brings together ministry representatives and national focal points to assess progress against previous resolutions, review ongoing collaborative activities and agree on new resolutions and strategic priorities. The discussions will contribute to shaping the future direction of BRICS astronomy cooperation, including research, technology development, education, data science and public engagement.

The five-day programme will combine scientific presentations with sessions on education, human capital development, science communication and public engagement. It will also feature the BAWG Data Science Hackathon, run in collaboration with Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), science communication training, the launch of the BRICS Astronomy Robotics and Coding Training, public exhibition of the various astronomy facilities across BRICS countries and the annual BAWG business meeting; where country representatives will review progress, discuss ongoing collaborations and establish strategic priorities for the year ahead.