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Durham University hosts NAM 2025

Under the theme “Community”, Durham University hosted the National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025, welcoming over a thousand people from all UK institutions.

Members of CfAI and SPARC participated in the Scientific Organising Committee (James Osborn), the Local Organising Committee (Paula Chadwick, Ariadna Calcines Rosario, Ali Bharmal, Deborah Malone) and NAMbassadors.

CfAI led the organisation of the exhibition, where both, CfAI and SPARC were present, among eighteen exhibitors (Full list of exhibitors: National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025 (7-11 July 2025): Information on NAM exhibitors · Durham Astronomy Group Conference System (Indico)).

The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation organised multiple parallel and lunch sessions on different topics to discuss about the future of UK instrumentation, blue sky to night sky, the interplay between technology and astronomy, how to build an instrument for astronomers, space sustainability, Women in Astronomy, the science and instrumentation for the Extremely Large Telescope, engaging with industry, pathways to sustainable research and the future of exoplanet detection, as well as participating with posters, oral contributions and as panellists in many other sessions showcasing the research and technology development undertaken at CfAI and SPARC both for space and ground-based instrumentation. Bleddyn Bowen from SPARC also gave a plenary on Space Politics and Security providing an inter-disciplinary view to the discussions.

Link to NAM website: National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025 (7-11 July 2025): Overview · Durham Astronomy Group Conference System (Indico)

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