NAM 2025 Blends Cutting-Edge Astronomy with Art, Education, and Youth Engagement

Nearly 1,000 Scientists Join NAM 2025 to Share Discoveries and Inspire Young Minds

As space science continues to transcend traditional boundaries of knowledge, engaging the public and nurturing the next generation of scientific thinkers has become increasingly vital. In response, the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025 prioritised youth engagement as a central theme. Held at Durham University from 7 to 11 July, the event convened nearly 1,000 scientists from across the globe to exchange research insights, while concurrently celebrating learning and community participation.

Alongside the core scientific programme, NAM 2025 delivered a dynamic range of educational activities designed for school pupils, youth groups, and the wider public. These initiatives aimed not only to foster curiosity but also to create inclusive pathways into astronomy and related disciplines. According to organisers, the event featured a space-themed adventure, workshops in science-based film-making, and the PULSE dance programme, developed in collaboration with astronomers to merge creative arts with space science.

Moreover, students had the opportunity to interact with the Space Investigators exhibition, engage with the Stargoal Project, which explored the physics of football and gain insights into careers in science and space exploration. Local artists Sarah Stamp and Lizzie Lovejoy worked with community groups to produce original artwork, while an art gallery showcased contributions from professional creators and primary students, including imaginative Moon base models.

Event coordinators described NAM 2025 as a vibrant platform bringing together astronomers, educators, artists, and industry to foster collective inspiration and sustained interest in astronomy. Durham University emphasised that hosting the meeting offered a strategic opportunity to highlight its strengths in space research and strengthen ties with regional schools and outreach programmes.

Reflecting on the impact, Nic Jenkins, Head of the Science Academy at Woodham Academy, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that immersive, hands-on experiences empower students to explore science with confidence and ambition.NAM 2025 served not only as a scientific gathering but as a catalyst for educational enrichment and community-led inspiration in the field of astronomy.

Editor’s Note:

Durham University's NAM 2025, hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society, successfully combined cutting-edge astronomical research with public engagement and educational outreach. Nearly 1,000 scientists attended the meeting, which featured hands-on activities like space-themed adventures, film-making, and the PULSE dance programme, inspiring future scientists and making science accessible to all. More than just a scientific conference, NAM 2025 became a catalyst for collaboration, connecting researchers, educators, artists, and local industries in a shared mission to inspire. The inclusion of student-led projects, public exhibitions, and community-created artworks enriched the event and showcased the value of interdisciplinary learning.

As per Skoobuzz, NAM 2025 has left a lasting educational legacy and reaffirmed the importance of investing in the next generation of scientific thinkers. It reminds us that science is not just about discovery, it’s also about connection, creativity, and opportunity.