Speaker
Description
The Astronomy for Mental Health flagship project, led by the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), combines astronomy and mental health to address pressing global challenges.
Despite growing awareness of mental health’s importance, barriers such as stigma, limited care access, and low community engagement persist. This flagship leverages the universal appeal of astronomy to break down these barriers through innovative outreach, education, and research-based interventions.
Through storytelling, inclusive programming, and participatory activities, the initiative demonstrates how astronomy can educate, inspire, and connect diverse communities. This presentation will highlight key resources like the Astronomy for Mental Health Narratives and projects such as the OAD x Office of Astronomy Outreach (OAO) Train-the-Trainer initiative. It will also reflect on the challenges and opportunities of integrating mental health into science communication, offering practical strategies for implementing these concepts in outreach efforts.
By merging science, art, and psychology, the flagship emphasizes the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration to advance mental health and well-being globally.
| Stream | Education Development and Outreach |
|---|