As part of the 7th Middle East and Africa Regional IAU Meeting (MEARIM 7), BRICS Astronomy hosted a special session titled “Strengthening BRICS collaborations in astronomy: Deepening engagement with new member countries.” The session brought together astronomers, policymakers, and science communicators from across BRICS and partner nations to explore how collaboration in astronomy can drive innovation, inclusion, and societal benefit.

Session Overview

This special session fostered engagement between BRICS member countries and participating African and Middle Eastern nations, with particular focus on newly admitted BRICS members. It connected astronomers, policymakers, and engagement professionals to align on flagship programmes and societal-impact activities. With new member countries joining the BRICS alliance, the session focused on building stronger connections and aligning priorities across all participating nations. Discussions highlighted ongoing and emerging initiatives such as the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network (BITDN), the BRICS Open Access Journal, and the BRICS Astronomy Magazine — all of which aim to enhance cooperation in research, education, and public engagement.

Key Topics

• Progress on BRICS STI projects and the flagship BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network (BITDN)
• Outcomes and resolutions from BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) meetings
• Societal benefit initiatives and capacity-building activities
• BRICS Open Access Journal and contributions to BRICS Astronomy Magazine
• Pathways for new member countries to integrate and contribute

Session Objectives

• Strengthen intra-BRICS collaboration and coordination
• Promote inclusive participation from new BRICS member countries
• Encourage cross-cutting initiatives in data science, education, and public engagement

Speakers & Conveners

The session, moderated by Prof. James Chibueze, featured insights from leading voices in astronomy and science engagement, including Prof. David Buckley, Ms. Duduzile Kubheka, Dr. Sally Macfarlane, Mr. Mohammad Javad Torabi, Dr. Arash Danesh, and Dr. Priya Hasan. Presentations explored themes ranging from data-intensive research and cloud computing to AstroTourism, science diplomacy, and virtual observatories for training the next generation of astronomers. This special session reinforced BRICS Astronomy’s commitment to inclusive and impactful collaboration, ensuring that astronomy serves as a bridge between nations, cultures, and disciplines. Through shared initiatives like BITDN and coordinated science engagement programmes, BRICS partners continue to demonstrate how astronomy can inspire innovation and contribute to sustainable development across the Global South.

This session reinforced BRICS Astronomy’s commitment to inclusive, impactful collaboration — ensuring that astronomy continues to serve as a bridge between nations, cultures, and disciplines.