Young people are at the centre of a major national conference bringing some of the world's finest scientists to the region.
Around 1,000 scientists are attending the Royal Astronomical Society's (RAS) annual National Astronomy Meeting 2025 (NAM) being hosted by Durham University from 7 to 11 July.
Alongside the latest in space research, NAM has activities for primary and secondary school children, youth groups and the wider public.
This includes an interactive space adventure based around the story of a steam-powered rocket ship, demonstrating science communication skills through film-making, and the PULSE dance workshop, created alongside our astronomers.
Young people will also visit the Space Investigators exhibition, while children will explore the physics behind football through The Stargoal Project, and look at career opportunities in space and science.
Local artists Sarah Stamp and Lizzie Lovejoy have collaborated with community groups to develop new artworks, while NAM includes a gallery of art by local youngsters and professional artists, along with Moon bases created by primary school children.
It’s a joy to see our students inspired by the wonders of astronomy and the collaborative spirit that drives scientific progress. By inviting young minds to engage in a diverse range of hands-on activities and discussions, we’re planting the seeds of curiosity and confidence that may one day lead them to make discoveries of their own.
NAM is connecting diverse communities - from researchers and amateur astronomers to schools, artists, industry, and the public - fostering scientific collaboration and inspiring thousands of non-professional astronomers through both professional sessions and public engagement.
Durham University has a long history of outstanding space science research, and hosting NAM 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to build upon and celebrate our collaborations and engagement programmes with our local schools and communities.
Children from Catchgate Primary School explore the physics behind football through The Stargoal Project.
We are so pleased to be able to share the excitement, experience and inspiration of the conference, directly involving our local communities with all of the opportunities for learning, careers and creativity that it offers.
The Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting 2025.
Science engagement at Durham University.
County Durham schools involved in outreach at NAM 2025 are West Rainton Primary, Chilton Academy, Woodham Academy Catchgate Primary, and Moorside Primary.
Community organisations taking part include Investing in Children, Little Chefs Big Chef, Building Self Belief, TIN Arts and More Stuff Like This Please! (ARC Stockton Arts Centre)
Other partners are Seven Stories’ Durham City pop-up Two Tales, award-winning documentary filmmaker Carl Joyce, and Kielder Observatory.
Young people’s and school activities have also been supported by Durham University Astronomy and Sport, Education Durham, Durham Women's Football Club, the Aldrin Family Foundation, Business Durham, The Ogden Trust, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Science and Technologies Facilities Council, the Royal Society, and the ewc, Newcastle.
Regional university partners include Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland universities.
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