Dr. Kelly Blumenthal

The International Astronomical Union is the largest professional organization for astronomers. It partners with institutions around the world to host Offices and Centres that help carry out the goals of its strategic plan. Dedicated to development, education, research, early-career astronomers and public engagement, these offices create an ecosystem by which communities and the profession of astronomy co-develop and thrive. In this talk, I will introduce the IAU and its many branches, focusing on the Office for Astronomy Outreach, its work on professionalizing the field of astronomy communication and the future of the field.