Too many interesting things going on, not enough time to keep track and write. Here are a few items of note.

• The Leiden-based international Universe Awareness project (UNAWE), which brings the awesomeness of astronomy to children in developing countries, has received a giant nod of support for its European activities from the European Union. The EU has awarded 1.9 million euros to EUNAWE to continue in its mission to help introduce underprivileged kids around Europe to science and engineering. That’s pretty amazing news. Until recently, UNAWE was led by my fellow dotAstronomy organiser and buddy Carolina Ödman Govender. Last year Carolina switched jobs and hemispheres, but I know that she spent loads of time and effort nabbing this grant and she deserves a warm congratulations. Published just days before Carolina’s wedding, the timing of the announcement could hardly have been better.[NB. UNAWE now has a new international project manager in Leiden, Pedro Russo, who co-ordinated the International Year of Astronomy and is the editor in chief of the Communicating Astronomy with the Public journal - i.e. the project is in excellent hands!]

  [NB2. The good news for UNAWE is also good news for my new home team Heidelberg, who are involved with UNAWE's work and will also benefit from the EU's support.]

• On a very different note, I was disappointed to learn that Penny Sackett, the astronomy professor who in 2008 became Chief Scientist in Australia, has resigned from the post mid-way through  her term. I don’t know Prof. Sackett personally or professionally (beyond seeing some conference talks by her when I was a PhD student) and I’m far away from Australia in every sense, so I can’t comment on any circumstances. I was impressed with Australia for appointing a great astronomer to such a senior position, and it’s a shame this hasn’t worked out. There are some fairly opaque statements about her resignation, and a bit of media speculation – maybe more details will emerge in weeks to come.