SARAO News

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Young Astronomers (OYA) and SKA SA collaborated to host a science communication training workshop for 30 African postgraduate astronomy students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 20-21 May 2017.

The workshop was an extension of the IAU 2017 International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA), a two-week school that offered students selected by the IAU OYA the opportunity to broaden their perspectives on astronomy through a series of lectures, practical exercises, observations and exchanges facilitated by an international faculty.

Students participating in the science communication training workshop were introduced to the theory of science engagement, and were required to complete various practical components that transferred basic skills in message strategy, public speaking, science journalism, social media, and science engagement project design.

The workshop, coordinated by the SKA SA Communications Unit, was facilitated by IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) staff, IAU ISYA faculty members, SKA SA content specialists and communications staff, and science communicators from East Africa.

“Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the content and value of their research to society, so that citizens are empowered to make informed decisions and hold their leadership accountable about research that affects their daily lives or the future of their country,” says Ann Ng’Endo, an MSc student in astrophysics at the University of Nairobi.

“This workshop provided me with the tools that I need to develop a message about why astronomy and my research is important for the development of Kenya and Africa, and to communicate this clearly to non-scientific audiences.”