Networks

I am a great believer in bringing people together to achieve more than would be possible in isolation. That’s why I set up AstroBoost for amateur astronomical societies in the UK.

There are so many helpful organisations out there, with many experienced and talented science communicators who can support projects. Often someone else has already solved your problem, or created a resource that could be adapted for your purpose. Linking into networks makes it easier both to find support, and to offer support to others.

I currently hold official roles within the following networks:

InternaTional Astronomical Union - Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU-OAO)

Role: UK National Outreach Co-ordinator (2023 - present)

The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach connects the IAU with the global community of amateur astronomers, educators, communicators, and the general public. My role includes letting astronomy communicators know about IAU resources, advocating for participation in international IAU events, and otherwise supporting outreach activities.

100 Hours of Astronomy - an annual global event, early October. We have BIG plans for this one! Check it out.
Women and Girls in Astronomy - an annual global event, February/March.
Communicating Astronomy with the Public - conference, free journal, and professional development for astronomers.
Downloadable outreach activities - 88 quality-tested resources. Additional, accessible resources are can be found here.
Meet the IAU Astronomers - apply to have an IAU Astronomy speak (remotely or in person) at your outreach event.

AstroMailbox - email Discussion list

Within my IAU OAO NOC role, I created and coordinate the AstroMailbox email list for UK non-formal astronomy/space communicators. The list lauched on 1 November 2023:

“ If you give astronomy talks in schools, present public planetarium shows, do space art sessions with Brownies, welcome tourists to your observatory, run a school astronomy club, take your telescope out to public places, or anything else outside formal teaching then this list is for you.

AstroMailbox is the place to celebrate your successes, ask for advice, share resources, and meet potential collaborators. We aim to create a supportive environment where everyone is welcome.

We’ll also have information about upcoming free astronomy communicator training events from the Association of Science and Discovery Centres and the Royal Astronomical Society.”

You can join the list at www.jiscmail.ac.uk/astromailbox .

AstroMailbox is a collaboration between the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy Outreach by the UK National Outreach Coordinator team and Andy Newsam of Liverpool John Moores University.

International Planetarium Society (IPS)

Roles: Co-Chair Education Committee (2023 - present), UK and Ireland Council Representative (2011 - 2014)

The International Planetarium Society has over 600 members in 35 different countries, spanning every continent but Antarctica. It holds large international conferences every two years which I have attended since 2011.

The IPS Education Committee is one of the largest and most active IPS committes. We have about 30 experts in education practice and/or research, from five continents. My co-chair Ken Brandt and I lead a variety of projects to support the educational aims of IPS members. These include:

The Value of the Planetarium in Education: a White Paper for use with politicans, funders and other stakeholders where support is sought. This referenced work was written by myself, Julia Plummer & Chrysta Ghent in August 2023.
Planetarium Education Research Fellowship: a new, international fellowship that supports research into planetarium-specific educational practice. We also suggest a list of research priorities for planetarium research.
The Planetarian journal: the Education Commmittee write regular articles for the IPS’s journal. My own articles can be found here.
Education resources: there are many fantastic resources available from the IPS website. I led a website redesign of the Education Committee’s webpage in 2023 to make it easier to find resources by need.

British Association of Planetaria (BAP)

Roles: President (2011 - 2014), Treasurer (2011), Lore-Keeper (2022 - present)

The British Association of Planetaria is a very friendly, inspirational and supportive organisation. Recent projects have included production of free, high quality fulldome clips for use in presentations about British astronaut Tim Peake and about the Webb Telescope. There is a helpful email list, and annual conferences are held at planetariums around the UK, usually attracting about 60 attendees. The conferences are great fun and excellent value. You should come!

My current BAP Lore-Keeper position is a new role that serves to provide long-term continuity, advising the President and council with regard to past events, protocol, and the constitution. I will also be collating general historical information about BAP and UK planetaria. Current work includes working with the BAP council on a major update of the constitution, with the purpose of clarifying and modernising it as required.

Federation Of Astronomical Societies (FAS)

Role: International Liaison (2023 - present)

The Federation of Astronomical Societies is a national union of astronomical societies formed in 1974. It has a membership of 192 UK amateur astronomical societies. The Federation supports the administration and functioning of its member societies, providing networking, public liability insurance, and resources. It has a bi-monthly newsletter, and organises national conventions for its members. Recent work includes a survey of the impact of satellite constellations on amateur astronomy.

My role is to help network FAS with other organisations internationally. I am currently in the early stages of creating a global network of astronomical-society networks, in collaboration with Cesare Pagano from the Italian equivalent of FAS.

AstroBoost

Role: Director (2018 - present)

AstroBoost is a project networking UK amateur astronomical societies with each other, and with organisations that can provide support for their outreach. Through AstroBoost I made close links with the Royal Astronomical Society, the Federation of Astronomical Societies, and the British Astronomical Association.