Martin Griffiths

Martin is a science communicator, writer and professional astronomer. Over his career he has utilized history, astronomy and science fiction as tools to encourage greater public understanding of science. He is a recipient of the Astrobiology Society of Britain’s Public Outreach Award (2008) and the Astronomical League’s Outreach Master Award (2010). He also holds the League’s Master Observer certificate and has written or contributed to over 100 published science articles for many journals.

He was one of the founder members of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute Science Communication Group, which was active in 2003-2006. He has been involved in promoting adult education across Wales and after spending 17 years as a lecturer at the University of South Wales he is now Director of the Brecon Beacons Observatory, a Dark Sky Ambassador for the Brecon Beacons National Park, a committee member of the International Dark Sky Reserve Steering Groups of Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks and a science presenter and consultant for Dark Sky Wales.

He is a consultant to the Welsh Government through his involvement with the Dark Sky Discovery initiative, enabling public access to dark sky sites in association with Dark Sky Wales, Dark Sky Scotland and Natural England. He also sits on the steering committees for the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve and the Snowdonia Dark Sky Reserve. Martin has spent many years directing stargazing events and in the last three years has provided training for the BBNPA dark sky ambassadors in dark sky related business matters on behalf of the park.

Martin is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society; A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy; a member of the Astrobiology Society of Britain; the European Society for the History of Science: the British Astronomical Association; the British Science Association; the Webb Deep-Sky Society; the Society for Popular Astronomy and the Astronomical League. He is also a local representative for the BAA Campaign for Dark Skies.