Dr. Joyful Mdhluli
About me
Dr. Joyful Mdhluli is the Flagship Coordinator at the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD). She leads and coordinates activities across the OAD’s flagship projects, ensuring effective delivery, strategic development, and stakeholder engagement. This work harnesses astronomy as a tool for community and rural development, economic empowerment, mental well-being, and skills advancement. Dr. Mdhluli actively contributes to strengthening astronomy and science communication across Africa, serving on the Executive Committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA). She is also the Regional Editor for Southern Africa of the African Physics Newsletter and on the editorial board of the Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal. Passionate about inclusion, innovation, and impact, Dr. Mdhluli is committed to demonstrating how astronomy can inspire sustainable development and create meaningful societal change.
