Session 1

BRICS Societal Benefits Discussion Session

Planning joint outreach, education, HCD and development programmes across BRICS countries

About the session

This structured discussion brings together BRICS outreach practitioners to plan joint outreach programmes that benefit from several countries working together. Participants are also invited to bring other ideas and proposals that could be taken up jointly.

The session will include short presentations from the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) centres and Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) offices and nodes in BRICS countries, and from National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO), on projects that are relevant to other BRICS countries and open to collaboration.

Who should take part

• BAWG 2026 participants attending in person in India
• Outreach and public-engagement communities in BRICS countries (online)
• Representatives of IAU OAE, OAO and OAD offices in the BRICS countries
• India’s national outreach committee and astronomy outreach leaders from Pune and Mumbai (by invitation)

Expected outcomes

• Broad agreement on undertaking collaborative projects, and an initial list of them
• Agreement on how to communicate and coordinate together
• Coordination between stakeholder communities across BRICS countries
• Named points of contact and agreed organisational details

How to sign up

Complete the sign-up form by 16 October 2026.

Session 2

Astronomy @ Planetaria

Strengthening collaboration between BRICS astronomy institutions and planetaria

About the session

This two-hour session will explore ways to strengthen the interface between the professional astronomy community and planetaria, science centres and other public outreach institutions across the BRICS countries. It opens with a brief review of the current landscape, including how planetaria are evolving with digital technologies and how they can communicate contemporary astronomical research to increasingly informed audiences. This is followed by a discussion between professional astronomers and planetarium/outreach practitioners on expectations, challenges, existing models of engagement and opportunities for collaboration.

The discussion will explore mechanisms for regular interaction between researchers and planetarium professionals, sharing of research-based content and data, development of scientifically rigorous planetarium shows and exhibitions, training programmes for outreach professionals, and joint public-engagement initiatives. The aim is to identify practical models and best practices that strengthen this relationship and establish planetaria as effective partners in bringing modern astronomy to diverse audiences. The BAWG can then help implement these.

Who should take part

• Senior planetarium staff, producers/writers, show presenters and other relevant staff
• Science-centre and museum educators involved in astronomy
• Outreach and public-engagement professionals from research institutes
• Professional astronomers interested in public engagement and science communication
• Technical and visualisation professionals developing planetarium shows and digital astronomy content
• Representatives of amateur astronomy clubs and organisations involved in public outreach

How to sign up

Email samir@iucaa.in by 16 October 2026. You will be sent further details.

Session 3

BRICS Astronomy Robotics Competition: Facilitator Training Workshop

Building astronomy awareness across BRICS through hands-on STEM and robotics activities

About the session

We are excited to announce the official launch of the BRICS Astronomy Robotics Competition, whose challenge will be astronomy-based. We invite applications from facilitators in all participating BRICS countries to attend a dedicated training workshop during the BAWG 2026 Meeting in India.

The training will equip programme leaders with the skills, resources and documentation needed to run the robotics programme in their own countries. The programme is designed to build astronomy awareness and STEM capacity among young people across all BRICS nations.

Who should take part

We invite one or more facilitators from each participating country who will be responsible for running the BRICS Astronomy Robotics programme locally, as well as teachers interested in running the programme. Ideal applicants:

• Are committed to implementing the programme in their country after the launch
• Have experience working with young people in science, technology or education (not compulsory)

Spaces are limited. Selection will prioritise applicants who will directly facilitate the programme in their country.

Programme

The training will include:

• Practical sessions on astronomy-linked robotics and the competition format
• Access to training kits, resources and implementation guides
• Collaboration with facilitators from all participating BRICS countries
• Participation in the official launch of the BRICS Astronomy Robotics Competition

How to sign up

Complete the application form by 16 October 2026.

Session 4

BRICS Astronomy Facilities Exhibition

A public exhibition of astronomy facilities shared across BRICS countries

About the session

The IUCAA Outreach Department will partner with a local amateur astronomers’ group to set up a public exhibition highlighting the astronomical facilities common to BRICS countries, as well as other highlights from each country. Models of and information about each facility will be displayed in an exhibition space open to the public and explained by volunteers trained by IUCAA.

Similar exhibitions typically attract around 10,000 visitors, and turnout could grow with wider publicity.

Who should take part

• BAWG participants who can lend good models of astronomy facilities for display
• BAWG participants who would like to help train the exhibition volunteers
• All BAWG participants are welcome to visit the exhibition and interact with visitors

Programme

The exhibition will run over 2–3 days during the meeting. Details of the layout and volunteer training sessions will be shared with those who sign up.

How to sign up

If you can bring a model or help with the volunteer training sessions, email samir@iucaa.in and duduzile@saao.ac.za.

Session 5

Science Communication Training Workshop

Equipping astronomers to engage the media and tell their science stories to diverse audiences

About the session

Developing and developed countries worldwide are concerned about societal involvement in science. This is not new: it has its roots in the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which emphasises everyone’s right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. It is therefore not surprising that national science institutes seek to share their discoveries with society, to fulfil their mandate and to democratise science.

At the 12th annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group Workshop, we will host a science communication workshop that equips astronomers and other science professionals with tools to engage with the media and structure their science stories for diverse audiences.

Who should take part

• Astronomers and other science professionals who want to share their research with the media and the public
• Outreach practitioners looking for affordable, hands-on astronomy activities (hands-on workshops)

Programme

Storytelling with Media · Hybrid
Mass media is a key partner for science organisations aiming to reach a wider audience, so building relationships and knowing how to frame a story matters. Some countries face a shrinking number of specialist science journalists in newsrooms. How do we make the most of media opportunities, sharing science news with clarity and concision so that journalists come back when there is a related story? This topic focuses on media engagement through the press release: what to include when writing it, convincing your organisation’s press office that your research is newsworthy, preparing for interviews once the release is out, and other ways to amplify the science it contains.

Audience Segmentation · Hybrid
Scientists are used to talking among themselves, and by extension find it easier to engage with school learners and teachers. But interest in science is broad, and so are the groups who are curious about it. How do we make sure everyone is catered for at their level and according to their interests? Who are these people? Why are they curious about science? Have we met them? Do they have a role in scientific research?

Hands-on workshops (1 hour each) · In person only

• Effective DIY telescope making: Experts from IUCAA introduce the basics of telescope making with simple, affordable, local materials. Participants learn how lenses, mirrors, tubes, eyepieces and basic optical alignment come together to form a working telescope, and build their own functional model during the session. The emphasis is on learning by doing, showing how astronomy concepts can become engaging, affordable activities for schools, community groups and public outreach programmes.
• Low-cost astronomy outreach activities: IUCAA introduces outreach practitioners to simple, affordable and engaging activities that use easily available materials. Participants try out hands-on demonstrations and experiments that illustrate key astronomical concepts without expensive equipment, and learn how to adapt them for schools, community programmes, science centres and public events.

Expected outcomes

• The workshop is interactive: after each session, groups discuss different science topics, develop a science story and present it to the other attendees.
• The focus is on applying the principles in practice.
• People outside the session will evaluate each story on its interest, clarity, consistency and merit to be retold.
• By the end, all participants will be better able to talk about their science with people outside their field.

How to sign up

Complete the sign-up form by 16 October 2026.