The Burunh Program for Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy
Exploring humanity's connections to the cosmos, from ancient astronomies to space futures.
Explore Cultural Astronomy in Depth
Our comprehensive program in Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy combines world-class teaching, interdisciplinary research, public programs, professional development, and community engagement in fields such as:
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Indigenous astronomy
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Archaeoastronomy
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Astrosociology
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Astro-psychology
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History of Astronomy
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Dark Sky Studies
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Geomythology
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Social Studies of Outer Space
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Philosophy of Science
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Astrotourism
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Space Futurism
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Science Communication
Understand Sky Knowledges
Delve into the rich tapestry of traditional sky knowledge and its relevance to contemporary society.
Safeguard our Access to the Stars
We aim to promote dark skies and best practices for lighting to safeguard our access to the stars for future generations.
Engage with Cultural Astronomy Experts
Connect with leading experts and cultural practitioners in Cultural Astronomy to gain a deeper understanding of humanity's relationships with the stars.
Empower Indigenous Communities
We are dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through the cultural revitalisation and astro-tourism.
Revolutionizing Interdisciplinary Research
Our program aims to develop new pathways and approaches to conducting rigorous interdisciplinary research in cultural astronomy by combining Indigenous Knowledges with theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches across the social and natural sciences, fostering a deeper understanding of our connections to the cosmos.
Transforming education and public engagement
We offer world-class courses, degree programs, and public engagement opportunities in cultural astronomy and associated disciplines to better understand our place in the cosmos and prepare graduates with the skills needed to tackle a wide range of careers in the space sector, heritage consulting, education, archaeology, tourism, landscape architecture, academic research, law, art curation, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
Stephen Nicholson
The Burunh Program pays deep respect to the Aboriginal communities of the Kulin Nations, who are the Traditional Owners of the lands, seas, and skies on, and under, which we live and work.
We acknowledge that the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne lies on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our deepest respects to Elders and Traditional Owners.
We are committed to collaborating appropriately and meaningfully with the Kulin Nations Elders and communities to develop Indigenous led programs, opportunities, and outcomes regarding Sky Country that benefit the local community, Aboriginal organisations, and First Nations communities of Australia and beyond. ​
Wurundjeri ceremony at Merri Creek. Charles Troedel, 1864.
Financial Support
We are generously supported by various organisations and charities.
