Markus Nielbock

Dr. Markus Nielbock serves as Head of Science Media Service at the Center for Astronomical Education and Public Relations, part of the House of Astronomy (HdA) affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg. With a background in physics and astronomy research, he transitioned to focus on science communication and education after serving as project scientist for the Herschel Space Telescope.

His research interests center on astronomy education, particularly the development of didactic materials for secondary schools, public relations for astronomical institutions, and the ESO Science Outreach Network. He actively supervises students teaching physics and organizes numerous public lectures and events to engage the community with astronomy.

Dr. Nielbock's publication record shows a strong focus on educational materials, with recent work emphasizing exoplanet science, celestial navigation techniques, and space exploration education. His 15 most recent publications (2018-2024) demonstrate consistent output in reputable educational journals like Science in Schools and astroEDU, covering diverse topics from exoplanet atmospheres to historical navigation methods.

As an educator, he has taught the block course 'Introduction to Astronomy for Secondary School Teachers' annually since 2016, developed numerous instructional videos on astronomical concepts, and created extensive teaching materials through the 'Space for Education' project. His outreach extends to radio interviews discussing recent astronomical discoveries and maintaining an active social media presence focused on astronomy communication.