Bethany Downer Email & Phone Number

As the ESA/Hubble & James Webb Space Telescopes Chief Science Communications Officer, my role is to oversee the content at ESAHubble.org & ESAWebb.org, and all matters pertaining to science outreach and communications for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes for the European Space Agency, by coordinating the talented members of the international ESA/Hubble/Webb outreach team. This work is managed by the ESA Office at the Space Telescope Institute. Responsibilities include:-Coordination of the ESA/Hubble/Webb outreach team-Identifying new stories based on Hubble/Webb discoveries presented in scientific papers-Coordinating the consideration of all received Hubble/Webb papers for press release consideration, including the development of a PIO report for all papers received-Coordination of press science and photo releases, from engagements with the astronomers, writing of text, developing visuals, proof reading, science reviews, and dissemination-Coordination of the ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week series, which publishes a new Hubble image (typically of new objects) every Monday-Quality control of all material published on the website-Addressing all external requisitions from media and the general public-Content writing-Direction of the Space Sparks video series, including coordination, writing and defining visuals-Oversee social media activity and answer questions-Liaison with outreach offices at STScI, ESA, NASA and other institutions, as well as PIs-Coordinating and supervising special projects (exhibitions, conferences, anniversary activities)-Collecting and monitoring statistics of published material-Identify new ways to promote and increase the awareness of ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb-Support to the Hubble & Webb Project Scientist as needed

As the Public Information Officer for the Hubble Space Telescope for the European Space Agency, my key purpose is to promote the Hubble Space Telescope’s science for the European Space Agency, in close coordination with ESA/ESTEC and STScI/NASA/OPO, on the ESA/Hubble website (SpaceTelescope.org). This includes the production and coordination of press releases, pictures of the week, regular announcements and the direction of the popular Hubblecast. This also includes coordination and support of special Hubble Space Telescope 30th anniversary activities for Europe and ESA/Hubble in 2020. Coordination involves working with a dedicated team of computer artists, astronomical image processors and writers of different backgrounds, as well as the training and support of ESO science communication interns. As PIO, I am also the primary contact for scientists, press and the public regarding ESA/Hubble questions, interviews and the coordination of releases with other institutions. In addition, I liaise between the work done at ESA and the Office for Public Outreach (OPO) at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, USA.ESO’s Education and Public Outreach department is responsible for outreach for various astronomical projects, including ESA’s part of the Hubble Space Telescope on an agreement between ESA and ESO. This contractor role is fulfilled through Design&Data GmbH.

In 2016, UNESCO Declared May 16th will be the annual focal point for celebrating the role and importance of light and light-based technologies. The International Day of Light is a global initiative that provides a means for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development. The broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace.As communications coordinator, my role is to support the general logistics of the IDL website (LightDay.org) and to disseminate cavities pertaining to Light Day activities worldwide. These duties include regular updates and event registration management on the program's website, the production and dissemination of newsletters, development of report and outreach graphics, and the curation of IDL social media channels.

Adhoc marketing support to SES Networks (Hague Office).Tasks and duties include marketing automation and the writing/editing of various texts (including program briefs, boiler plate texts, copy edit, web copy, blogs, landing pages, etc.).

Space Scoop creates articles about the latest astronomy news and discoveries from around the world in a language that's easy to understand and is aimed for younger readers. Our various partners write a press release that is then shared with us, and we then take out all the technical mumbo-jumbo and make it easy to read. The final story is then sent to our group of fantastic volunteer translators from all over the globe, where it is translated into many different languages. Four SpaceScoop articles are published each month.Project coordination includes science writing, social media curation, and coordination of the Space Scoop translator network.http://www.spacescoop.org/en/

Leiden, The Netherlands

I served on the Secretariat for 2019 celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the International Astronomical Union (IAU100, iau-100.org), which was based at the Leiden Observatory of Leiden University. My role was to support in the domains of communications and outreach for IAU100 activities and as event coordinator for four IAU100 global projects:-The 100 Hours of Astronomy event took place from 10-13 January 2019, during which over 1200 astronomy-related outreach and education events took place simultaneously around the world in 86 countries. -Moon Landing 50 is the IAU100's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing (MoonLanding50.org) and includes the coordination of contests, outreach activities and development of a global event list consisting of over 1000 events in over 125 countries on and around 20 July 2019.-Astronomy Day in Schools (November 10-17 2019) aimed to mobilize the astronomical community to organize astronomy outreach activities in schools to educate students about the important role of astronomy in our lives. This global event coincides with World Science Day for Peace and Development. Over 110 000 students in 70 countries participated in this project.-Pale Blue Dot: On the 30th anniversary of the iconic pale blue dot image (on and around 13-20 February 2020), this final IAU100 global project facilitated the coordinated of events that celebrated the astronomy, global citizenship and environmental stewardship. Over 500 activities were conducted in more than 50 countries for this initiative.Other coordination support was provided for the "Under One Sky" short story competition, the IAU100 Flagship event in Brussels (April 2019), the "Under One Moon" global art contest, the development of the "From Medicine to Wi-Fi; Technical Applications of Astronomy to Society" booklet for the IAU, and support for the final IAU100 report.

Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Position with the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) as part of the European Space Agency, as a member of the Outreach Communication Unit. Tasks included representing the agency at the UK Space Conference and Kids on the Moon events and the planning of the agency's involvement at the 2017 NewScientist Live exhibition. Additional responsibilities included internal and external communications, administration, public enquiries, and astronaut scheduling.

Nl, Canada

Science Interpreter at the Johnson Geo Centre Earth and Space Museum. Responsibilities include: providing onsite mineral, rock and fossil identification for the public, public tours and talks to general public and private groups, leading school programs, public programs, birthday parties and scout programs and assisting with the development of interpretation and exhibit materials, research and develop new public programs when required. The Johnson GEO CENTRE is a not-for-profit science centre which features Newfoundland and Labrador as Earth’s Geological Showcase, and is dedicated to telling the story of “Our Earth and Our People”. Additional exhibits include The Titanic Story, the Steele Earth and Space Theatre, and the ExxonMobil Oil and Gas Gallery.

Certificate, Science Content Writing

This certificate program provides an opportunity to strengthen copywriting and content writing skills.

Master Of Space Studies

Studies included research, lectures, workshops, and projects in space fields including science, engineering, business, economics, law.

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Geography

Major: Geography / Minor: English Academic Focuses included: Wildlife Science and Management, Geography, Geographic Information Systems.

Pre-College Program, Astronomy And Astrophysics

-Gained familiarity with the formation, dynamics, and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and clusters. -An introduction to the thermal.