[ASA] Communicating Astronomy with the Public 2020: 21-25 September 2020, Macquarie University, Sydney

[Richard de Grijs]

== Communicating Astronomy with the Public 2020 ==

On 21–25 September 2020, Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, will 
host the world’s largest conference on astronomy communication: 
Communicating Astronomy with the Public 2020 (CAP 2020). #IAUCAP2020

Professionals from science communication, informal education, planetaria 
and science centres, as well as professional and amateur astronomers, 
journalists and creative personalities, are invited to attend the 
conference to exchange ideas and best practices.

Under the central theme of “Communicating Astronomy for a better world: 
environment, culture and peace”, the Scientific Organising Committee 
(SOC) is inviting proposals for oral presentations, posters, and 
workshops to be submitted online by 15 March 2020.

Registrsation is now LIVE at https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/mrrJCD1jy9t5K4G2wUW12wI?domain=events.mq.edu.au
- early-bird deadline: 31 May 2020 (A$ 500 incl.GST)
- final registration deadline: 4 September 2020 (A$550 incl. GST)

Registration includes conference access, lunches and an invitation to 
the conference dinner at Curzon Hall (guests pay separately for the 
conference dinner).

The topics that will be discussed at the conference are:

- Current Challenges in Astronomy Communication;
- Best Practices in Public Outreach;
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Empathy in Communicating Astronomy;
- The Media’s Role in Astronomy Communication;
- Using Multimedia, Social Media, Immersive Environments and other 
Technologies for Public Engagement with Astronomy;
- Astronomy and Climate Change;
- Astronomy Communication to Promote Peace;
- The Role of Astronomy in Bridging Cultures;
- Communicating Astronomy in the Asia–Pacific Region.

Participants will have the opportunity to add their own topics for 
discussion during the event’s “unconference” slots.

Networking activities will encourage learning from peers, identifying 
potential partners, and strengthening the links between Asia–Pacific and 
international science communicators.

In addition, the SOC is planning two special sessions:

- Legacy of the IAU100 Celebrations
- Communicating Astronomy: The IAU Strategic Plan 2020-2030

The International Astronomical Union will offer a small number of grants 
or fee waivers to selected participants from around the world.

Abstract submission: 
https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/0ANzCE8kz9t3JEXrOCwAa5M?domain=communicatingastronomy.org 
(deadline 15 March)
Travel grant submission: 
https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/A8q-CGvmB5i1pvXxEtpEpkV?domain=communicatingastronomy.org 
(deadline 15 March)

Contacts:
- SOC: cap2020 at oao.iau.org
- LOC: richard.de-grijs at mq.edu.au