The Burunh Program
Research Areas
Indigenous Astronomy
Indigenous and local communities across the globe have developed and maintained their own systems of knowledge about the night sky, which can inform multiple aspects of life, identity and spirituality. We work closely with those communities to understand out place int he universe, share knowledge, and re-claim it from the impacts of colonisation.
Archaeoastronomy
Humans have maintained a profound connection to the Sun, Moon, and stars since ancient times. Understanding this connection can be challenging, often relying on little more than archaeological remains of sites, stone circles, temples, or writing that can help us understand how the stars were understood and utilised.
Astrosociology & Space Futurism
As humanity faces a variety of challenges as we seek to understand our places in the cosmos. From building astronomical facilities on Indigenous lands to our culture of scientific practice, to our expanding presence in space, we must address various challenges in sociology, law, philosophy, policy, and ethics to ensure a beneficial future for all.
History of Astronomy
This area studies the evolution of astronomy from astrological foundations to a scientific discipline, as well as the technologies, tools, and historical records of astronomical events from antiquity to modernity (historical astronomy).
Dark Sky Studies
Light pollution is the biggest threat to our view of the skies, as well as other forms of pollution that impact our atmosphere and human-made materials that impede our access to the stars (such as micro-satellites).
Astro-tourism
Re-connecting people to our shared night skies is driving tourism programs that help people explore the wonders of the universe despite most people living in heavily light polluted areas.
Geomythology
Oral traditions and ancient mythologies from cultures across the globe describe geological and astronomical events that held special meaning or profoundly influenced religion, culture, and society. We study these events in the context of orality, memory, and natural history and examine ways they can inform cultural practice, scientific research, and the nature of orality.
Philosophy of Science
In the modern era, understanding what constitutes 'science' is a challenging and sometimes controversial topic. We explore the foundations, methods, and implications of science, controversies at the intersection of scientism, pluralism, Indigenous Knowledges, metaphysics, epistemology, ontological approaches, and ethics.
Social Studies of Outer Space
We seek to understand how scientific communities create and debate knowledge, how social factors can influence this. This primarily address the cultures within scientific communities and their relationship to sexism, racism, ethics, capitalism, social justice, militarisation, colonisation, and governance.
Science Education
We study innovative research-informed approaches to teaching and communicating science and mathematics in ways that lift engagement and performance, with a focus on cultural astronomy space futurism, and Indigenous Knowledges.
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Science Communication
We explore how to best articulate ideas to a variety of audiences in an effective and engaging manner, examine the philosophy of science communication, and study how science is reported in the media.
Astro-psychology
We examine how psychological factors and human perception guide the development of astronomical knowledge, grouping constellations, and passing this knowledge down through memory.