Presentation Information
[PD9-01]Global Networks, Local Impact: International Collaboration in Astronomy Education
*Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht1,2, Lars Lindberg Christensen3, Lauren Albin4,5, Fatoumata Kebe, Shannon Schmoll7,6,8 (1. AUI (USA), 2. Charles Sturt University (Australia), 3. NOIRLab (USA), 4. Young Harris College (USA), 5. Wayne Rollins Planetarium (USA), 6. Abrams Planetarium (USA), 7. Michigan State University (USA), 8. IPS (USA))
Keywords:
International collaboration,Astronomy education networks,Community engagement
Astronomy education, outreach, and engagement thrive when ideas, resources, and communities are connected across borders. The ASTRO ACCEL initiative is a global “network of networks” spanning educators, researchers, science communicators, and cultural practitioners and aims to strengthen this collaborative ecosystem by sharing knowledge, fostering collective problem-solving, and elevating diverse perspectives in astronomy engagement.
This panel brings together ASTRO ACCEL contributors from the United States, Europe, and Africa to explore how international collaboration can advance planetary science communication, reduce duplication of effort, and scale innovations across regions and learning contexts. Panelists will discuss models of cross-network collaboration, lessons learned from global partnership building, and emerging opportunities for joint research, shared professional development, and coordinated action across astronomy engagement communities.
Participants will be invited into a discussion on how the international planetarium community can more intentionally collaborate by leveraging shared needs, complementary strengths, and cultural diversity to build a more connected and sustainable future for astronomy education worldwide.
Tentative Speakers/Panelists:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht, AUI (USA)
• Lars Lindberg Christensen, NOIRLab (USA)
• Lauren Albin, Young Harris College (USA)
• Fatoumata Kebe (France)
• Dr. Shannon Schmoll, Michigan State University (USA)
Tentative Chair/Moderator:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht or Lars Lindberg Christensen
Requested Session Length:
60–90 minutes
This panel brings together ASTRO ACCEL contributors from the United States, Europe, and Africa to explore how international collaboration can advance planetary science communication, reduce duplication of effort, and scale innovations across regions and learning contexts. Panelists will discuss models of cross-network collaboration, lessons learned from global partnership building, and emerging opportunities for joint research, shared professional development, and coordinated action across astronomy engagement communities.
Participants will be invited into a discussion on how the international planetarium community can more intentionally collaborate by leveraging shared needs, complementary strengths, and cultural diversity to build a more connected and sustainable future for astronomy education worldwide.
Tentative Speakers/Panelists:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht, AUI (USA)
• Lars Lindberg Christensen, NOIRLab (USA)
• Lauren Albin, Young Harris College (USA)
• Fatoumata Kebe (France)
• Dr. Shannon Schmoll, Michigan State University (USA)
Tentative Chair/Moderator:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht or Lars Lindberg Christensen
Requested Session Length:
60–90 minutes