Brics Astronomy Partnership

Abstract

and South Africa (BRICS) countries have a tradition for excellence in Astronomy, with many scientists over the centuries making important contributions to this field of endeavour. Individually, each of the BRICS countries have unique telescope infrastructures, areas of scientific and technical strengths, expertise in instrumentation development, theoretical and computational excellence, industrial capabilities, and education and training opportunities. BRICS countries participate in various international projects that open the possibilities for access through collaborations. Together, BRICS as a block has significant capacity that should be harnessed to ensure that BRICS is able to play a leading role in world astronomical sciences and facilities. Industrial cooperation is also essential and must be vigorously explored.At the first BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting which was held in Cape Town on 10 February 2014, five priority areas to be led by the respective BRICS member countries were endorsed. South Africa was given the responsibility to lead the astronomy priority area, and consequently chairs and provides the secretariat for the BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG). The BAWG provides a platform for BRICS member countries to engage on policy issues and other matters related to research, development and practice in astronomy, and to explore mechanisms for promoting BRICS cooperation in astronomy (Buckley et al. 2021). The Department of Science and Innovation of South Africa acts as the secretariat to the BAWG and is responsible for:• Dissemination of information to the BAWG using various media, including a website;• Organising annual meetings -organising a venue and meeting facilities, meeting agendas and relevant documents, as well as coordinating experts to develop topics of common interest; and • Capturing proceedings of the BAWG. The mission of the BAWG is to promote cooperation between BRICS member countries in the field of astronomy and enabling technologies, through joint activities of government, universities, research institutions, and industry, as relevant, in order to develop astronomical sciences, generate new knowledge, train human capital, develop new technologies and applications, and improve public understanding of science. How to cite NEMAUNGANI T. 2020. Brics Astronomy Partnership. An Acad Bras Cienc 93: e20201624.