EU Universe Awareness Student Ambassador Programme

Universe Awareness (UNAWE) uses the beauty and grandeur of the Universe to encourage young children (between 4 and 10 years old), particularly those from an underprivileged background, to develop an interest in science and technology. The programme also aims to use the cultural aspects of astronomy to foster a child’s sense of global citizenship from the earliest age. UNAWE is endorsed by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and it is now an integral part of the IAU Strategic Plan 2010–2020, which is called Astronomy for the Developing World. To help UNAWE to achieve its goals, we are now recruiting UNAWE Student Ambassadors.

Who?

UNAWE Student Ambassadors can be either BSc, MSc or PhD students of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, social sciences or another relevant topic for the UNAWE programme. The Student Ambassadors will be recruited and coordinated by the UNAWE International Office, which is based in Leiden University, in collaboration with the UNAWE national programmes.

Benefits to the UNAWE Student Ambassador

Being a UNAWE Student Ambassador is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and to help make a difference in disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, by joining the UNAWE Student Ambassador programme, you will be participating in a world-renowned programme and will gain valuable insight into planning astronomy outreach and education activities.

What is expected of the UNAWE Student Ambassadors?

The most important qualities that are needed in a UNAWE student ambassador are enthusiasm and passion for astronomy. Having strong social skills is desirable, but this is something that the student will also develop as they carry ou their UNAWE activities.

All Student Ambassadors are required to participate in at least one UNAWE activity every 6 months. Within a week following each event, he/she must provide a short report (about 300 words) about the activity, as well as a few (high resolution) photos from the event.

Ideas for  activities

Events:

• Organise a UNAWE session at the local nursery or primary school
• Organise a UNAWE workshop during the Open House Day of the university or institute
• Organise a UNAWE workshop at your local community centre or library
• For expat students: contact your embassy or consulate and organise a UNAWE session for the children of expats
• Support a local UNAWE teacher training workshop

Resources

• Produce an educational activity guide
• Translate an existing UNAWE educational resource

Online

• Support the existing online communication (Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other networks)
• Support the content development for the existing UNAWE websites

Projects

• Develop and support national and global UNAWE projects

How to apply:

Students are invited to submit their application using the following online form:

Current UNAWE Student Ambassadors

Ainil S. Abdullah (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project:  UNAWE in Timor Lorosae

Alexander Pietrow (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Sterrenkunde maand basisschool 'de Parachute'

Arthur Jakobs (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Sterrenkunde maand basisschool 'de Parachute'

Carla Natário (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: UNAWE in Timor Lorosae

Cindy Gunawan (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: UNAWE in Timor Lorosae

Jaya Ramchandani (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Universe-in-a-box

Kim Vendel (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Sterrenkunde maand basisschool 'de Parachute'

Maya Barlev (Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA) | Project: Activities for children from inter-city Philadelphia

Marissa Rosenberg (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Developing Educational Materials 

Nikki Zabel (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Sterrenkunde maand basisschool 'de Parachute'

Kim Hoogeboom (Hogeschool Leiden, the Netherlands) | Project: PABO Research Project

Lucia Morganti (Max Planck Institute, Germany) | Project: Space Scoop in Italian

Robert Feld (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Sterrenkunde maand basisschool 'de Parachute' | Project: Deadly Moons workshop Wetenschapsdag 2011

Stefan Buysman (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Sterrenkunde maand basisschool 'de Parachute'

Sara Khalafinejad (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Universe-in-a-box

Silvia Verdolini (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Italian translations

Wendy Williams (Leiden University, the Netherlands) | Project: Developing Concepts for Educational Resources