Speaker
Description
Astronomy has a unique ability to inspire curiosity, strengthen scientific literacy, and engage diverse audiences across cultures and generations. While many outreach initiatives are implemented at local or national levels, coordinating science communication at a continental scale presents both unique opportunities and significant challenges.
The African Astronomical Society (AfAS), as the professional body representing astronomy across Africa, has increasingly positioned science communication and public engagement as central pillars of its mission to advance astronomy on the continent. Through partnerships with national institutions, universities, international organisations, and local communities, AfAS has supported and coordinated a diverse portfolio of outreach and education activities, including school engagement programmes, teacher development initiatives, public discussions, citizen science activities, continental awareness campaigns, science communication workshops, and digital engagement.
This presentation reflects on AfAS's experience in designing and coordinating these initiatives across diverse cultural, linguistic, and institutional contexts. Using recent activities as case studies including outreach programmes associated with the AfAS Annual Conference, Africa Day celebrations, public engagement campaigns, Hack4Dev training initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, the presentation will examine practical approaches to building inclusive and sustainable astronomy outreach programmes that reach audiences across the continent.
Beyond showcasing successful initiatives, the presentation will discuss the lessons learned in coordinating continental science communication, including partnership development, stakeholder engagement, digital communication strategies, volunteer mobilisation, and measuring impact. It will also explore the role of continental scientific societies in strengthening public engagement, supporting Astronomy for Development, and fostering a more connected and inclusive African astronomy community.
By sharing these experiences, the presentation aims to contribute practical insights for researchers, educators, outreach practitioners, and scientific organisations interested in expanding the reach and societal impact of astronomy through collaborative science communication.