The International Astronomical Union (IAU) would like to welcome Dr Naomi Asabre Frimpong, astrophysicist and science communicator, as the new Deputy Director of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO) and Cintia Durán, multimedia artist and educator, as its new International Outreach Officer. These exceptional new OAO team members will bring their passion, experience, and innovation to the IAU OAO mission and vision.

The IAU OAO is a joint venture of the IAU and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). Located in Tokyo, Japan, the OAO is a hub for coordinating astronomy public outreach activities worldwide. The OAO plays a pivotal role in connecting people worldwide to the wonders of the Universe. Its mission is to make astronomy accessible to everyone, everywhere—whether through the latest cosmic discoveries, exciting local and international astronomy events, or by activating communities of amateur astronomers and educators. This is all possible through a dedicated network of National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) who work tirelessly to spread science knowledge and inspire curiosity.

Naomi and Cintia come to the OAO with extensive knowledge in astronomy communication. Naomi has championed the development of astronomy across the African continent by creating and implementing engaging programmes to empower the next generation of scientists—particularly young girls—through mentorship and outreach. With her background in the arts, Cintia takes a truly interdisciplinary approach to engaging communities with science and communicating our place in the Universe.

“On behalf of the OAO and the entire IAU community, we are excited to welcome Naomi and Cintia to the team. Their commitment to expanding the reach of astronomy, their passion for public engagement, and their ability to think outside the box will help us find creative ways to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can experience the awe-inspiring nature of astronomy,” says Dr. Kelly Blumenthal, Director of the IAU OAO. Alongside Kelly Blumenthal, the new OAO team members will combine their complementary expertise to advance the NAOJ’s and IAU’s public engagement into a new era.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organization that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) is a joint project of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The mission of the OAO is to engage the public in astronomy through access to astronomical information and communication of the science of astronomy. This is implemented through a network of IAU National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) and the IAU’s public engagement initiatives. The work of the OAO is about building bridges between the IAU and the global astronomy community of amateur astronomers, outreach professionals, educators, communicators, and the general public, and through international collaboration, to make the science of astronomy accessible to all.

Contacts

Kelly Blumenthal
OAO Director
Email: blumenthal.kelly@oao.iau.org 

Lina Canas
IAU Membership Coordinator
Email: lina.canas@iau.org / iaupressoffice@iau.org