Universiteit Leiden

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Leiden’s Astronomy and Society group develops new materials for public engagement trainers

Do you practice public engagement? The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has just released a unique set of open-source materials designed to be used in public engagement training workshops.

The materials focus on the importance of trust- and relationship-building in science communication, under the guiding principle that good relationships are essential to effective outreach. They are fully open source, following the Open Education Resources principles: reuse, revise, remix, redistribute, and review.

The resources have been co-created by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and a steering committee composed of researchers and practitioners in the field of astronomy outreach. They include a deep dive into public engagement practice and a co-learning discussion on best practice in equity and inclusion.

What is in the toolbox?

The IAU Public Engagement Training Programme was supported by the Kavli Foundation, the programme was implemented by the Leiden Observatory's Astronomy and Society Group at Leiden University, under the supervision of dr. Pedro Russo.

The resources contain:

  • A slide deck
  • A workbook for participants
  • A guide for facilitators
  • A literature review of science communication around trust and relationship building
  • Example pre/post-surveys

You may find them here on the website of the IAU. Also consider their online seminar on February 22 as it will explain these materials more in detail, and dive into public engagement training and practice with leaders in the field

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