COLLABORATION BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN RAISING THE PROFILE OF ASTRONOMY RESEARCH

The Physics Outreach Unit at UNSW Australia contributes to the goals of the IAU's Commission 55 by collaborating with established institutions to improve public engagement with science. We aim to not only increase public awareness of astronomy but also ensure the benefits to society of our scientific endeavours are understood. We have found collaborating with like-minded institutions who are working in similar spaces allows both parties to make a larger impact than working alone. For example, our long-term collaboration with the Australian Museum provides the opportunity to engage urban and rural communities with science, audiences to which we do not normally have easy access. To increase our national presence we are exploring new relationships with other institutions, in particular the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA), in hosting events such as public talks with eminent astronomers, star parties and astronomical workshops. These partnerships help build firm foundations for planning future events, in particular during the International Year of Light 2015.