Silk Road Astronomy Research and Education Alliance (Silk Road AREA) is a global platform dedicated to enhancing international cooperation in astronomical research and education. Initiated by Prof. Zhongmu Li of Dali University, it was founded on June 24, 2025, by 10 founding countries (China, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Austria). Co-chaired by Prof. Zhongmu Li (China) and Prof. Rainer Spurzem (Germany), its permanent secretariat is based at Dali University, with the university’s Institute of Astronomy and Information in charge of daily operations. The Alliance fosters global exchanges and cooperation among astronomers and educators through academic conferences, training camps, research and student exchange programs, with a focus on astronomy, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and related fields.

Its core missions and functions are as follows:

◆ Promote international cooperation and exchanges in astronomical research and education

◆ Provide a platform for knowledge, resource and technology sharing to drive innovative development of astronomy

◆ Strengthen cooperation between universities and research institutions in astronomical education, research projects and talent cultivation

◆ Advance astronomical science popularization and enhance public understanding and interest in the field