The CAP Conference series is organised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), through Commission 2 — Communicating Astronomy with the Public. The IAU has more than 10,000 active members in 98 countries worldwide and its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.

Since 2003, CAP conferences have facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices. The conference helps strengthen the local community of professionals by connecting them to the global network. CAP 2022 in Australia will be a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with  new professionals in the Asia – Pacific, and worldwide astronomy communication  communities.

Given the rich wealth of indigenous knowledge and culture in Australia, the SOC particularly welcomes contributions related to indigenous astronomy, cultural astronomy, archeo-astronomy as well as a number of other topics such as:

1. Current Challenges in Astronomy Communication
2. Best Practices in Public Outreach
3. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Empathy in Communicating Astronomy 
4. The Media’s Role in Astronomy Communication
5. Using Multimedia, Social Media, Immersive Environments and other Technologies for Public Engagement with Astronomy 
6. Astronomy and Climate Change communication
7. Astronomy Communication to Promote Peace
8. The Role of Astronomy in Bridging Cultures 
9. Communicating Astronomy in the Asia–Pacific Region

The organizers encourage learning from peers, identifying potential partners, and strengthening links between Asia–Pacific and international science communicators.

These are the typical audience members you would find if you are showcasing your work in CAP conferences.

• Science Communicators
• Public Outreach Professionals
• Informal Educators
• Professional Astronomers
• Amateur Astronomers
• Planetarium, Museum & Science Centers Professionals
• Natural & Social Science Researchers
• Journalists & Writers
• Creatives & Artists

International Astronomical Union  / Commission C2 — Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP)
Founded in 1919, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the world’s largest professional body for astronomers. It is an international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 10,000 professional astronomers from almost 100 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them.

The IAU Commission C2 aims to encourage and enable a much larger fraction of the astronomical community to take an active role in explaining what astronomers do (and why) to our fellow citizens. It encourages international collaborations, endorses standards, best practices and requirements, and furthers the recognition of outreach and public communication of all levels of astronomy.

IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach
The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) is a joint project of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The mission of the OAO is to engage the public in astronomy through access to astronomical information and communication of the science of astronomy. This is implemented through a network of IAU National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) and the IAU’s public engagement initiatives. The work of the OAO is about building bridges between the IAU and the global astronomy community of amateur astronomers, outreach professionals, educators, communicators, and the general public, and through international collaboration, to make the science of astronomy accessible to all.

Macquarie University
Established in 1964, Macquarie University began as a bold experiment in higher education. Built to break from traditions: to be distinctive, progressive, and to be transformational. Today our pioneering history continues to be a source of inspiration as we celebrate our place among the best and brightest minds. Our research is leading the way in groundbreaking discoveries. Our academics are at the forefront of innovation and, as accomplished researchers, we are embracing the opportunity to tackle the big issues of our time.

Lina Canas, IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (SOC Co-Chair)
Ramasamy Venugopal, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (SOC Co-Chair)
Samir Dhurde, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (SOC Co-Chair)

Krystal De Napoli
Jackie Bondell
Richard de Grijs, Macquarie University
Farseem M. Mohammedy
Vinicius Oliveira
Dongni Chen, Beijing Planetarium
Eleni Thomai Chatzichristou
Avivah Yamani
Sze-leung Cheung
Jon E. Chase
Pamela Gay, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Kimberly Arcand
Lars Lindberg Christensen, International Astronomical Union/NOIR lab
Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Indian Institute of Astrophysics
João Retrê, Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço
Kelly Blumenthal, IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Richard de Grijs, Macquarie University (chair)
Jo Aboud
Jojo Er, Macquarie University
Claudia Fava, Macquarie University
Robert Hollow (CSIRO/CASS)
Andrew Jacob (Sydney Observatory)
Ángel R. Lopez Sanchez, Macquarie University
Orsola De Marco
Mel Pallesen
Kelly Sharpless, Macquarie University
Mark Wardle

All attendees of CAP 2022 are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees throughout the symposium. We value the participation of every member of the community and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

We ask all the participants to follow the IAU Code of Conduct to provide everyone with a harassment-free experience during the conference.

This code of conduct applies to all conference spaces, including online (Zoom etc.).