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.


AstroMailbox - email Discussion list

Within my IAU OAO NOC role, and with a lot of support from the Assistant National Outreach Coordinators, James Fawcett & Gemma Kerr, I 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.


IPS Conference, Warsaw 2016

International Planetarium Society (IPS)

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

The International Planetarium Society has over 700 members in 35 different countries, spanning every continent but Antarctica. It holds large international conferences every two years which I have attended since joining in 2011.

The IPS Education Committee is one of the largest IPS committes, promoted to a full standing committee in 2023. We have nearly 30 experts in education practice and/or research, from five continents. My co-chair Ken Brandt (Robeson Planetarium, North Carolina USA and I lead a variety of projects to support the educational aims of IPS members:

  • The Value of the Planetarium in Education: a White Paper written for use with politicans, funders and other stakeholders where support is sought. This referenced work was updated by myself, Julia Plummer & Chrysta Ghent in August 2023.

  • Education Research Fellowship: a new, international fellowship expected to launch in autumn 2023, to support research into planetarium-specific educational practice. We also agreed 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.



Image: Paul Mowbray, NSC Creative

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. My work will include supporting a 2023-2024 update of the constitution to 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.

Image: Alastair Bruce, UK Webb Campaign

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 have worked with and made close links with the Royal Astronomical Society, the Federation of Astronomical Societies, and the British Astronomical Association.