Public Communicator for Space Science and Technology

BETHANY DOWNER

My passion is for space, and more importantly: sharing it.

I strive to find innovative and effective ways to disseminate scientific and technical developments and updates in the space domain to broader audiences so that "rocket science" can be better understood and valued. I also actively advocate for diversity in STEAM and space, including improving access to opportunities in the space industry.

I was born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland, where I currently live and work.

Outside of my primary role as the Chief Science Communicator for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes for the European Space Agency, I support a variety of start-ups in the science and technology domains to communicate their work to broader audiences.

I am open to speaking and interview requests spanning a wide variety of topics. I also have limited availability for freelance work and consultancy services. Prospective partnership opportunities are also being considered for Canadian organizations.

In May of 2022 I virtually spoke with over 500 classes in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am therefore no longer taking request for in-school talks.

Please contact me anytime at contact@bethanydowner.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Keynotes and Talks

•2025 Conference of the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC)

•St. John's Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

•Atlantic Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Conference (AUPAC) 2025

•Girl Guides of Canada Illuminate 2024 Conference

•FORTIS
•International Association of Business Communicators

•Canadian Hydrography Conference 2024

•Fogo Island Inn Solar Eclipse 2024 Event

•Rotary Club - St. John’s East

•School Districts of Newfoundland and Labrador - 500 classes (virtual)

•Montreal Space Symposium 2019

•SEDS Canada Ascension Canada 2022

•NASA Space Apps Challenge 2021

•Vancouver Science World 2019

•Space & Satellite Professionals International Leadership in Turbulent Times conference 2021

•Avalon Expo

•Astronomy for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion - Tokyo, Japan

•NOIA 2021 Conference

•Hal-Con 2022

Current and Previous Roles

•Chief Science Communications Officer for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, European Space Agency - Space Telescope Science Institute

•Director of Communications, Vizulingo

•Member of the International Astronautical Foundation's Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC) and the IAF Workforce Development-Young Professionals Programme Committee (WD-YPP)

•Communications Coordinator, UNESCO International Day of Light

•Project Coordinator and Lead Science Writer, Space Scoop

•Secretariat and Global Event Coordinator, International Astronomical Union's 100th Anniversary Celebrations

•Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, Space Generation Advisory Council

•Writing and editing support, SES Networks

•Communications Coordinator - African Space Generation Workshop 2017

•Editor - 2018 Space Generation Congress

•Communications Intern, European Space Agency

•Science Interpreter, Johnson GEO Centre

Awards & Distinctions

•2025 Memorial University Centennial 100

•20 Under 30 Atlantic Canadian Innovators 2023

•IAF Young Space Leader Award 2023
•Gonzaga High School Alumnus of the Year 2021

•Dutch Research Council Communication Award 2020
•SSPI 20 Under 35 in 2020

•Space Generation Leadership Award 2019

•Awarded the Sovereign's Medal by Canada's Governor General 2019

•St. John's Women of Distinction Award 2019: Science and Technology Category

•Memorial University Horizon Alumni Award 2018

•35 Under 35 in Space Award 2018 by the International Institute of Space Commerce

•Top 24 Under 24 in the World in STEAM and Space 2018 by The Mars Generation
•Canada's Top 30 Leaders and Innovators Under 30 2017 by The Bay Street Bull

•Alpha Centauri Prize for Individual Research Project by the British Interplanetary Society and the International Space University 2017

•Canadian Top 30 Under 30 in 2016 by The Corporate Knights

•Memorial University's Student Leader of The Year - The David Kirkland Student Leadership Award 2016

•Canada's Top 25 Under 25 in Sustainability 2015 and 2016 by The Starfish Canada

One Step Shoe Recycling

In 2014 I founded federally-incorporated non-profit organization that operated across Canada to encourage sustainable practices by bringing unwanted shoes to those in need. Through the education of sustainable consumerism, the program redistributed over 18,000 shoes to more than fifteen countries worldwide and retained over 14,000lbs of waste from landfills. Talks and lectures were delivered to more than 5,000 youth of Newfoundland to share the project and its message, and partnerships were established with local, regional and international organizations to facilitate operations. This program operated until 2016, after which it has continued unofficially.