The Universe is full of galaxies of various shapes; some galaxies have spiral arms and others don’t. Why do galaxies show such diversity? How were galaxies formed and evolved? Galaxies are thought to grow by interacting and merging with other galaxies, and the galaxy mergers may be the key process creating the variety. GALAXY CRUISE is the first citizen science project conducted by National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) to unlock galaxies’ secrets using the big observational data. We made the superior quality big data taken by the Subaru Telescope accessible to the public and invited them to participate in data classification. Here we report how we designed the website and its first-year progress.

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It is important that science is inclusive and communication is prioritised. To make science accessible to all, the gap between highly specific research and people with a general interest in science must be bridged. Effective science communication also helps to engage young people and inspire them to pursue a career in science. In Tokyo, Japan, Dr Kumiko Usuda-Sato, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), and Dr Lina Canas of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO), are working to achieve effective communication and full inclusion. The researchers are interested in ensuring that science reaches diverse people, including people with a disability such as blind and visually impaired (BVI) people, as well as promoting diversity and inclusivity within international astronomical research communication. To this end, Usuda-Sato is engaging with the BVI community and tactility experts at the Japan Braille Library. A key focus is on developing resources for helping people to understand the Subaru Telescope, such as 3D printed models, braille and 2D explanations, as well as adapted communication methods. Canas is working to make the research community aware of accessibility issues. A key component of this was the IAU Symposium358, which brought together experts in accessibility and science communication, fostering discussion and promoting international collaboration.

Section 4 of the FM14 focus on the outreach action and advocacy in the context of IAUs 2020-2030 Strategic Plan. This paper also contains supplementary materials that point to contributed talks and poster presentations that can be found online.