The Office of Astronomy for Development Impact Cycle

TL;DR

The paper discusses the development of the Impact Cycle by the Office of Astronomy for Development to promote evidence-based project design, evaluation, and continuous improvement in astronomy-for-development initiatives.

Contribution

It introduces the Impact Cycle framework to systematically evaluate and improve astronomy-for-development projects based on evidence and lessons learned.

Findings

Establishment of an evidence-based Impact Cycle framework

Enhanced project design through systematic evaluation

Creation of a knowledge library of best practices

Abstract

The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) believes that in order for astronomy-for-development activities to be effective, a scientific approach is required. Evaluation is an essential component in identifying which projects work best, for whom and under what conditions. Evidence-informed project design and selection ensures that projects build on past lessons, thereby reducing the risk of negative unintended consequences and increasing the probabilities of positive cost-effective impact. The OAD has developed an Impact Cycle that aims to enhance project design, selection and delivery systems to support such continual improvement and potential expansion. By determining what works - and, importantly, what doesn't work - the OAD can build a library of evidence on best practice and ensure a positive feedback loop for future projects.