Communities
Science and technology belongs to us all
It is an incredible story that should be shared.
Everyone should have the chance to participate in science and technology in ways that they value.
Scientists and engineers from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh are creating,
experimenting, and discovering new things about the universe around us.
This work impacts society and how we live our lives.
The Royal Observatory Visitor Centre community engagement programme will build partnerships to help us to reach audiences in more meaningful ways. This includes collaborating with organisations working in education, science communication, local government, and community support.

Are you interested in working together?
We aim to collaborate with around 3 partners each year.
Get in touch to start the conversation. We would love to hear from you.
Here are some of the things
we have been doing….

SPACE GANG
In partnership with get2gether, an Edinburgh based charity which works with people with disabilities, the Space Gang was formed. The group meets online throughout the year, and visits space and science themed locations in the city. Space Gang is led by its members who are interested in chatting about space, learning new things and meeting people along the way.
DISCOVER
Since 2019 we have been an activity provider for the Discover programme led by City of Edinburgh Council and partners such as Edinburgh Community Food. Discover was created with the aims of combating the learning gap during school holidays and providing nutritional recipes to families living in the most socio-economically deprived areas of the city. This work became even more important during the pandemic and membership continued to grow via online platforms. During 2020 and 2021 food boxes and activity packs were distributed to hundreds of families across the city, so that they could join in the fun, learning and cooking from home.






STEM IN THE GORBALS
In 2019 we hosted a visit from members of the STEM in the Gorbals podcast team and their parents. These young people have interviewed all sorts of people about the jobs and work they do, now including astronomers and engineers from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.
Listen to the observatory miniseries and other episodes on Soundcloud.