The International Astronomical Union (IAU) recognised on Thursday President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), George Danos, naming him as Honorary Member of the IAU for his significant contributions to the progress of astronomy, including leading campaigns that raised Cyprus space science to international excellence.
According to a CSEO press release, the International Astronomical Union, starting in 2018 during its 100th anniversary celebrations, decided to give official recognition, every three years, to people who have contributed significantly to the progress of astronomical research and scientific astronomical culture. This recognition is given by the prestigious title of “Honorary Member of the International Astronomical Union”, to people who do not have as their usual daily profession or employment the research of astronomy.
The IAU announced on Thursday the second set of Honorary Members of the IAU during its 31st General Assembly. They selected 11 individuals from 11 countries – Argentina, Turkey, India, Canada, Netherlands, Czechia,Japan, Cyprus, Australia, France and Ukraine, to officially recognize for their significant contribution to the progress of astronomical research and culture.
The International Astronomical Union said that they selected George A Danos as Honorary Member of the IAU, “in
recognition to his significant contributions to the progress of astronomy, including leading the campaigns that saw Cyprus join
the European Space Agency (ESA), the IAU and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) , as well as establishing the Cyprus Space Centre and helping Cyprus be selected as an International Astronomy Education Centre of the IAU Office for Astronomy Education (OAE)”.
“I am truly honoured, humbled and deeply moved that the IAU has recognised my decades long dedication in astronomy and space science” George Danos said, adding that “after 9 years in CSEO, promoting space science, with intense dedicated efforts, sometimes joy, sometimes pain and sadness, through a difficult uphill road that few close friends know about, working with aim of making this island proud, this recognition comes to make this difficult journey worthwhile”.
Among others, Danos has brokered international agreements, such as the high-level decision of the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN) to consolidate global scientific efforts relating to Mars space missions,selecting Nicosia as the permanent base of MUAN.
He is Council Member – the highest governing body – of the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). He was elected Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), for outstanding contribution to the exploration of space. In addition, he serves as Vice-Chair of the Panel on Innovative Solutions (PoIS) of the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). He also served as Chair of the Moon Village Association (MVA) Moon Village & Exploration Analogues Working Group and Coordinator of the Middle East and Africa for the Moon Village Association. He sits on several Committees of the International
Astronautical Federation. Danos coordinates the “2030: SpaceWorks” webinars, featuring prominent scientists and Nobel Laureates, with ½ million global viewership, making space more approachable to the wider public.
Source: Cyprus News Agency