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23-04-2018
Communicating Astronomy with the Public 2018
| Submitter: | Gina Maffey and Iris Nijman |
| Description: | "Astronomical communication is a good way to make friends and find peace in the world" - Dr. Kazanuri Shibata, President of the Astronomical Society of Japan. With this uplifting statement the biannual 'Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP)' conference began; where 450 communicators, astronomers and researchers from around the world had convened under the cherry blossom in Fukuoka, Japan to share ideas and discuss projects from 24-28 March. Against the bustling backdrop of the city's new science museum, best practices in science communication, innovation in education and projects that promote inclusivity and diversity were all on the agenda. Iris Nijman (ASTRON) and Gina Maffey (JIVE) both attended to share some of the ongoing work from the Dwingeloo perspective. Iris gave a talk about challenges and new ideas to communicate about radio astronomy, and Gina presented how she found her way into JIVE and started to communicate about VLBI in new ways. Together with Eleonora Ferroni from INAF, Iris also gave a workshop about communicating for big research infrastructures, like the Square Kilometre Array, in non-hosting countries. During the workshop, press officers and communicators from many other astronomy collaborations were present, such as ESO, ALMA, and other SKA countries. Highlighting the opportunities and challenges of working across teams and borders the talks and workshop delivered by both Iris and Gina struck a chord with many of those attending the conference. The opportunity to connect with the international community at a conference such as this, and make friends, certainly ensures those challenges seem are a bit more approachable. |
| Copyright: | JIVE/ASTRON |
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