What is it?

 

We are thrilled to announce a new session at the International Astronautical Congress devoted to exploring decolonial practices in the space sector.

 

This session will focus on the examination, identification and impact of oppressive narratives and behaviors rooted in colonial practices in the space sector while taking into account the systemic character and historical repetition of such narratives in present day disparities.

 

This session will showcase and provide examples of solutions via education, culture and outreach activities as well as Belonging, Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, Justice and Inclusivity (BADEJI, EDI, DEIA) protocols in the workplace, organisations and space agendas. Learnings and recommendations from the perspectives of professionals, scholars, experts, educators, artists and cultural institutions including museums, space agencies and non-profit organisations will be included. From code of ethics to pluralistic commitments towards achieving equity and accessibility, all relevant methodologies and formats are welcomed. This session is a showcase of demonstrated practices and/or experiential learning, and work presented should already have been implemented before the presentation.

 

 

What we ARE looking for

 

 

We are looking for abstracts, with a maximum of 400 words, taking into account the following considerations:

 

_Clearly identify both the historical context and decolonial praxis, and its connection to space activities.

 

_Clearly identify the connection to the session’s described scope and to space.

 

_Briefly describe what you will present, including results and evaluation of your work, if it has been completed, or a thorough description of the expected outcomes of the work.

 

_Include information about what makes your work unique, original or innovative and worth sharing with the international space community.

 

_State your work’s goal, the intended audience, the measurable objectives that were set, and if the work is in planning or has already occurred.

 

_Provide context describing the research and/or analysis you conducted in choosing the purpose of the activity, the intended audience, and the design of the activity.

 

_Include reference to quantitative or qualitative data gathered through evaluations, surveys or other means.

 

_If any theories are developed, please include information about the practical applicability of the information.

 

_Consider that your audience is international and focus on what others working in the field can learn from your work. Include lessons learned, recommendations or other takeaway messages.

 

_Make sure that the abstract provides a coherent idea or narrative for someone unfamiliar with your work.

 

 

Deadline

 

 

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2024. Please note that if your abstract is selected, you will need to come and present your paper at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan in October 2024.

 

 

HOW TO SUBMIT YOU ABSTRACT?

 

 

1. Create an account on the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) website.

 

2. Log in to the IAF directory and press "Submit an abstract to IAC 2024."

 

3. Scroll down to E1: IAF Space Education and Outreach Symposium.

 

4. Look for section E1.2, click on it, and you will be able to see and fill in the document to submit your abstract.

 

For more information, please refer to the abstract submission FAQ and the call for submissions on the IAF website.

 

We look forward to reading your abstracts! 

 

Co-Chair: Dr. Nelly Ben Hayoun, SETI Institute, United Kingdom;

Co-Chair: Mr. Nahum Romero, KOSMICA, Germany;

Rapporteur: Ms. Priyanka Das Rajkakati, France;

Rapporteur: Dr. Kathryn Robison Hasani, Flinders University, Australia;