Pedro Russo, the International Project Manager of Universe Awareness has been honoured with an official commendation by the municipal assembly of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in Portugal.The commendation from his home town was approved unanimously by all party representatives and recognises Pedro’s work in science education and public outreach through Universe Awareness and the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009).
Pedro was the IYA2009 global coordinator and has been the UNAWE International Project Manager since 2011. He is also vice-president of the IAU Commission 55: Communicating Astronomy with the Public and chair of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development Task Force Children and Schools.