Office for Astronomy Outreach

National Outreach
Coordinators Network

Together, they create opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and engagement, making astronomy accessible to diverse audiences across the globe.

  • What is a NOC?

    A National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) is a representative who connects their nation with the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, to strengthen astronomy communication and education.

    By leveraging this connection, NOCs help bring astronomy-related opportunities, resources, and initiatives to their local communities, adapting them to their specific needs and contexts.

    Their role is to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and ensure that astronomy benefits society at all levels.

    The NOCs implement the IAU public engagement initiatives at the national level, disseminate information, and bridge the IAU with local/national communities. This is a totally volunteer (non-renumerated), online and international network.

  • A National Outreach Coordinator must:
    • Be involved with and have connections to their community.
    • Be actively engaged in astronomy communication and public engagement.
    • Have plans and the means to create and disseminate materials.
    • Be willing to collaborate with other NOCs.
    • Understand the NOC role, are willing to participate fully in the network and all it entails, and have a plan for how they will leverage the NOC role for the benefit of their communities.
    • Be committed to the OAO motto: Astronomy for Everyone.
  • What are the NOC's responsibilities?
    • Participate in the Global Project/Themes through distributing OAO materials, engaging with the projects laid out by the OAO or developing their own project based on the OAO's content.
    • Make a concerted effort to attend the Regional, Global and NFS Update meetings and watch the recordings if they cannot.NOCs must attend at least 50% of the meetings.
    • Present at at least one Regional meeting
    • Report on quarterly events and activities
    • Contribute to the Regional and/or Language Working Groups
    • Engage with other NOCs for brainstorming
    • To be a point of contact between the IAU and OAO, and the communities the NOC represents.
    • Develops plans for the public engagement actions associated with the IAU nationwide.
  • How can I become a NOC for your country?

    NOC cycles are aligned with the three-year of the IAU General Assemblies. After applying, sitting for an interview with a member of the OAO Team, and being approved by the OAO and the National Committee (where applicable), new NOCs are brought into the network for a three-year period starting at the end of that year's General Assembly.

    What to do?

    • Get in touch with your local NOC. You can find all contact information in each country's NOC site.
    • If there is no NOC for your country, you can write to us public@...Click to show, to receive a link for the application form. If
    • After a detailed review we will set up an interview with the applicant to continue direct communication with the Office for Astronomy Outreach team.
  • What are the benefits of being part of the National Outreach Coordinators Network?

    By becoming a member of the NOC Network, you will gain access to a range of unique benefits that will allow you to play a key role in the scientific development of your region and country, while connecting your community to the world of science. Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy:

    • Impact on your community and country: You will be actively involved in scientific projects that contribute to the progress of your environment, helping to develop and apply knowledge for the direct benefit of society.
    • International network of science communicators: You will become part of a global network spanning over 120 countries, working together to promote astronomy and science in general, creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.
    • Access to exclusive resources: As an associate member of the IAU (International Astronomical Union), you will gain access to valuable academic and educational resources that will enhance your scientific knowledge and capabilities.
    • Opportunities for funding: The NOC Network will provide you with access to funding opportunities for your outreach projects, enabling you to implement initiatives that benefit your country and promote astronomy in your region.

    By joining the NOC Network, you will not only contribute to the advancement of science but also become a leader within the global astronomical community, connecting and collaborating with people from all over the world.

World Regions

NOCs Funding Scheme

Aligned with the IAU Strategic Plan 2020-2030, and specifically with Goal 4, which states that the IAU engages the public in astronomy through access to astronomical Information and communication of the science of astronomy, the OAO has outlined a series of strategic actions to achieve this vision throughout the decade. The NOCs Funding Scheme is a dedicated grant system to support public engagement initiatives led by IAU National Outreach Coordinators. This grant system, administered by the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, will provide funding to projects presented as a joint activity between countries, with the goal of bolstering international cooperation.

A group of Ethiopian schoolchildren in uniform watch with enthusiasm as a classmate, standing on a chair, looks through an astronomical telescope mounted on a wooden tripod. A curly-haired instructor guides the activity, ensuring that the students understand how to use the telescope.
Activity in Ethiopia in the framework of the 100 Hours of Astronomy Global Project. Credit: IAU100

More Information

The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO) is dedicated to engaging the public in astronomy through access to astronomical information and communication of the science of astronomy. The OAO is responsible for managing and maintaining the IAU National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) network, including the NOCs Funding Scheme.

If you have any questions you can contact us by email:public@...Click to show

A group of young girls with solar protection glasses look toward the Sun in an open field.
Copyright: 100 Hours of Astronomy, India, Neelam Mishra.