Director of the Northern Ireland Space Office, based at Armagh Planetarium
Representative for IYA2009
Robert Hill is an educational consultant with the Yorkshire based Space Connections group, researching the possibility of creating a European Space Education Resource Office structure in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.
In his previous post as Business Manager and Science Communicator for Armagh Planetarium, Robert designed and created the highly acclaimed exhibition тАШFrom Earth to the HeavensтАЩ and has worked with several other science centres to help making other exciting and stimulating European space related exhibitions. During this period he also became the Faulkes Robotic Telescope Project co-ordinator in Ireland. He founded the Astrogazers Ireland Astronomy schools network, working with teachers to gain confidence in using astronomy resources for the classroom.
Robert is a member of many European and Global working groups and panels, including the Global and European Hands-On Universe Advisory Committee, Astronet Panel E тАШEducation, Outreach and RecruitmentтАЩ and part of the team evaluating the European Southern Observatory outreach material. He is currently a member of the International Astronomical Union Executive Committee Working Group for International Year of Astronomy 2009.
Robert has spearheaded the campaign to bring astronomy and space science topics to pupils through the newly revised curriculum in Northern Ireland. He is currently co-ordinating the creation of thematic units with regional government and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to align the latest astronomy related resources to accredited and integrated education. Currently, he is liaising with the local government in Northern Ireland to explore the possibility of using astronomy and space science as a key skills developer for adults returning to education.