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OFFICIAL</div>
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Hi all,</div>
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Please find information about the upcoming IAU Symposium 409 below! It will be offered in a hybrid format, and focus on astronomy communication in a variety of different contexts, including within the professional astronomy community.</div>
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You can reach out to Kelly Blumenthal, Director of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, if you have any questions: blumenthal.kelly@oao.iau.org</div>
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Thanks</div>
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Vanessa</div>
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<b>IAU SYMPOSIUM: IAUS409<br>
Innovative Research and Techniques in Astronomy Communication</b><br>
Dates: 2–6 November 2026<br>
Venue: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), 2-21-2 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo<br>
Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)<br>
Website: <a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Dt9mClx1NjiA3m0kkiGfGfz3S09?domain=iau-oao.nao.ac.jp/" id="OWAb8df804f-e5c1-c4e0-c6ef-f792967d84f5" class="OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable">
https://iau-oao.nao.ac.jp/iaus409/</a><br>
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This symposium will unite experts from astronomy and science communication to share knowledge on evidence-based ways to improve astronomers' capacity to discuss their work with peers, policymakers, funders, and the public. Participants will also discuss gaps
in science communication research to identify areas for future investigation.<br>
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Key topics include:<br>
• Innovations in data visualisation techniques<br>
• Leveraging emerging technologies in the post-COVID era<br>
• Combating misinformation in the age of AI and LLMs<br>
• Trust in science and scientists<br>
• Professionalisation of astronomy communication<br>
• Communicating astronomy with funders and policymakers<br>
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<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204);"><b>EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION: 24 JULY 2026</b></span><br>
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Registration is now open: <a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dy0eCmO5gluA78B66iOhBfRFBB8?domain=iaus409.raku-con.com/" id="OWAcdb3362b-1646-457c-e658-05bd34415072" class="OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable">
https://iaus409.raku-con.com/</a><br>
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You can find more information on our website: <a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Dt9mClx1NjiA3m0kkiGfGfz3S09?domain=iau-oao.nao.ac.jp/" id="OWAce40f60d-8724-fb00-660a-023bed4c6c55" class="OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable">
https://iau-oao.nao.ac.jp/iaus409/</a><br>
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us: <a href="mailto:iaus409-contact@ml.nao.ac.jp" id="OWAcfc14680-5b57-f47f-1a2b-e0cbf5f5aecf" class="OWAAutoLink">
iaus409-contact@ml.nao.ac.jp</a><br>
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