County Durham's bright young stars to light up UK's National Astronomy Meeting

A photograph of the Ogden Centre West at Durham University. The centre houses Durham’s astronomers, cosmologists, and instrumentation scientists. Credit Durham University.

County Durham's young people are at the centre of a major national conference bringing some of the world's finest scientists to the region.

Around 1,000 scientists will attend the Royal Astronomical Society's (RAS) annual National Astronomy Meeting 2025 (NAM) being hosted by Durham University from 7 to 11 July.

The conference will see astronomers, cosmologists, particle physicists, engineers and mathematicians present the latest in space research, with activities throughout the week for primary and secondary school children, youth groups and the wider public.

Pupils from West Rainton Primary will enjoy an interactive space adventure at Seven Stories’ brand-new pop-up, Two Tales, in Durham City's Prince Bishops Shopping Centre. Based on the story of a steam-powered spaceship, and involving dressing-up and rocket design, this free activity will also be available to families with children aged four-plus on Saturday 12 July at 10.30am and 2pm.

Science Ambassadors from Chilton Academy, Ferryhill, and Woodham Academy, Newton Aycliffe, will work with award-winning documentary filmmaker Carl Joyce to demonstrate their science communication skills developed with Durham University.

They will participate in a dance workshop with Durham-based charity TIN Arts to perform PULSE – created alongside Durham University astronomers – which brings to life the science of Earth, space and light.

Both schools will also enjoy the interactive Space Investigators exhibition, led by Newcastle University, and involving Durham and Northumbria universities, plus activities from Kielder Observatory.

Pupils from Catchgate Primary, Stanley, will explore the physics behind football through The Stargoal Project, developed with Durham University Astronomy and Sport, Education Durham and Durham Women's Football Club.

Youngsters from Moorside Primary, Consett, working with Consett-based charity Building Self Belief, as part of a Point North Community Fund supported ‘Youth Aspirations programme’, will be taking part in activities introducing space and science career opportunities. This also includes Sunderland University, the Aldrin Foundation and the Royal Astronomical Society.

Also, with support from The Ogden Trust, secondary school teachers will take part in NAM to engage with current research and developments.

Local artists Sarah Stamp and Lizzie Lovejoy have collaborated with community groups Investing in Children, a children right’s charity based in County Durham, Little Chefs Big Chef (West Auckland) and More Stuff Like This Please! (ARC, Stockton Arts Centre), on artwork to illuminate NAM, including a new piece by Lizzie, called Celestial Fingerprints, to be unveiled at Durham University's Ogden Centre West.

NAM will include an art gallery with work by the groups, together with professional artists’ work, and Moon bases created by primary school children taking part in the Centre for Life’s Space Explorers programme.

Nic Jenkins, Head of Science Academy at Woodham Academy, said: “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity for our students, at Woodham Academy, to attend the National Astronomy Meeting at Durham University. Events like this are vital in showcasing the importance of science partnerships, not only among researchers and institutions, but across generations.

“It’s a joy to see our students inspired by the wonders of astronomy and the collaborative spirit that drives scientific progress. By inviting young minds to engage in a diverse range of hands-on activities and discussions, we’re planting the seeds of curiosity and confidence that may one day lead them to make discoveries of their own.”

Yasmin Gardner, Key Stage One lead at Chilton Academy, said: “Being part of this conference is an amazing and inspiring opportunity for our pupils! It gives young people, who are curious but rarely get the chance to explore astronomy, a real opportunity to explore the world of science in a new and exciting way.”

NAM is connecting diverse communities - from researchers and amateur astronomers to schools, artists, industry, and the public - fostering scientific collaboration and inspiring thousands of non-professional astronomers through both professional sessions and public engagement.

A full list of public talks and events can be found here: https://conference.astro.dur.ac.uk/event/7/page/51-public-talks-and-events.

Dr Lorraine Coghill, Deputy Director of Science Engagement at Durham University, said: "Durham University has a long history of outstanding space research, and hosting NAM 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to build upon and celebrate our collaborations and engagement programmes with our local schools and communities.

“We are so pleased to be able to share the excitement, experience and inspiration of the conference, directly involving our local communities with all of the opportunities for learning, careers and creativity that it offers."