The PLOAD (Portuguese Language Office of Astronomy for Develepment) promotes the use of Astronomy as a tool for development in Portuguese-speaking countries and communities, supporting the ten-year strategic plan of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

PLOAD was created in August 2015 by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) of the IAU to implement the IAU Strategic Plan.

This plan highlights the role of Astronomy and exploration of the Universe – one of the most significant adventures of our civilization – as a tool for development and scientific and technological empowerment of countries.

PLOAD is coordinated by NUCLIO, in partnership with the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço. So far, several partnerships have been established in Portugal and in the different Portuguese-speaking countries and communities, namely in Brazil, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Timor-Leste (see full list of partners here).

More information on the PLOAD website:
http://pload.org