CosmoAmautas, a Peruvian non-profit association utilizing planetary science and astronomy as educational gateways, has won the 2026 Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement. Dr Gabriela Calistro Rivera accepted the 1,000 Euro prize on behalf of the organization at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC2026) in The Hague, where she also delivered a public lecture detailing the association’s outreach work.
Empowering Peruvian Teachers and Students Through Astronomy
Since 2021, CosmoAmautas has trained over 200 teachers across 21 of Peru’s 24 regions. The initiative has supported the creation of more than 80 Astroclubs, ultimately reaching over 10,000 students via participating educators. The association focuses on inquiry-based learning, deploying resources tailored for schools with limited infrastructure that link directly to the Peruvian curriculum. Delivered through experiment boxes, printed guides, and online materials, the activities include measuring Earth’s rotation and dimensions, building Solar System scale models, and analyzing actual space mission data.
“Amauta” translates to teacher in the Quechua language, reflecting the association’s core principle. “Our programme is based on the principle that when a teacher is empowered, the future of an entire community can be transformed,” Dr Gabriela Calistro Rivera said upon receiving the award. Thibaut Roger, presenting the prize on behalf of Europlanet, noted that the association demonstrates how rural schools can actively and sustainably practice planetary science and astronomy.
Cultural Integration and Future Outreach Plans
The association’s programs intentionally integrate Andean ancestral astronomical traditions, highlighting that observing and interpreting the night sky is deeply rooted in Peru’s cultural history. Alongside these traditions, gender equality and inclusion remain central values across all educational materials. The CosmoAmautas team itself consists of students and astronomy professionals from Peru and across the globe working across various fields of astronomy and planetary sciences.
While outreach efforts have relied heavily on online platforms to reach remote and underserved communities, the organization plans to utilize the Europlanet prize funding to partially support upcoming in-person events. The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement, established in 2010, recognizes individuals and groups developing innovative practices in planetary science communication and education.
Frequently Asked Questions About CosmoAmautas
What is CosmoAmautas?
CosmoAmautas is a Peruvian non-profit association that trains teachers in astronomy and the scientific method, supporting school AstroClubs and developing accessible educational materials for low-connectivity contexts.
How many students and teachers has the program reached?
Since 2021, the organization has trained over 200 teachers across 21 of Peru’s 24 regions, supported more than 80 Astroclubs, and reached over 10,000 students.
What does the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement include?
The award includes recognition at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) and a cash award of 1,000 Euros to support ongoing public engagement efforts.
How are Andean traditions incorporated into the curriculum?
The programs integrate Andean ancestral astronomical traditions to show students that observing and interpreting the sky is deeply rooted in Peru’s cultural history.
Did you know? The term “Amauta” means teacher in the Quechua language, inspiring the name CosmoAmautas to emphasize that empowering a single educator can transform an entire community’s future.