Online Application for Nomination to IAU Membership Now Closed
The USNC/IAU invited qualified scientists to apply online for individual membership in the IAU.  Reviewed applications have been forwarded to the IAU Executive Office in Paris for official action.  As final voting on membership recommendations will take place by the IAU this summer, General Assembly registrants who submitted applications should advise the local organizing committee in charge of registration to contact the IAU Executive Office in Paris for membership confirmation.  The next application cycle will open in late 2011.  Read more...

About the Union

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) promotes and coordinates worldwide cooperation in astronomy. The IAU, through its 12 Scientific Divisions and 40 Commissions covering the full spectrum of astronomy, plays a key role in fostering international collaborations.  The international union brings together over 8,600 astronomers from 84 countries.  U.S. astronomers are encouraged to engage in a number of IAU activities. 
Obtain additional Information on IAU scientific bodies, working groups, and program groups.

About the USNC

The U.S. National Committee for the International Astronomical Union (USNC/IAU) represents the interests of the U.S. astronomical community and safeguards the intellectual vigor of the Union. The USNC/IAU explores issues in:

Activities & Events

 IAU XXXVII General Assembly, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
August 3-14, 2009

Important Visa Information:  Please note that U.S. passport holders must secure a Brazilian visa prior to their arrival in the country.  APPLY EARLY!   Visa processing times can take up to a month.  Visit the Website of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington to learn more about visa requirements.

Please note that scientists attending conferences, such as the IAU General Assembly, apply for a tourist visa.  Visas for Brazil cost approximately $130.00 and will require an official letter of invitation to the IAU.  Visit the IAU Website for details on requesting an official letter for visa purposes.

Learn more about registering for General Assembly registration, including information about the scientific program and venue.

 International Travel Grants and Educational Activities
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) administers a travel grant program open to U.S.-based astronomers for attendance at international meetings. Endorsed by the USNC/IAU and funded by the National Science Foundation, the AAS grant program corresponds to IAU General Assembly years. To attend the IAU General Assemblies and other international conferences, individuals at U.S. institutions may apply to the AAS International Travel Grant Program.  Learn more about the AAS International Travel Grant program, including submission deadlines.

Valuable educational programs are also reported by IAU Commission on Astronomy Education and Development (Commission 46).  For researchers and students in countries with economic difficulties, travel grants to IAU-sponsored meetings and general assemblies are available.  Grants for Exchange Astronomers, travel awards for short term visits, are administered by the IAU Commission 46.  The IAU also conducts International Schools for Young Astronomers, a Visiting Lecturer Program, and Exchange of Astronomers Program.

 Support of The International Year of Astronomy
The year 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first use of a telescope to observe the universe.  At the request of the IAU and its members, UNESCO passed a resolution proclaiming 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, which recognizes the importance of Galileo’s achievements. The International Year of Astronomy presents the opportunity to increase awareness of the field and attract young people to careers in science and technology. The USNC/IAU will look for opportunities to work with scientific and industry partners to celebrate and promote this important anniversary.

 Online Application for Nomination to IAU Membership Now Closed
The USNC/IAU invited qualified scientists to apply online for individual membership in the International Astronomical Union.  These applications were reviewed by a subcommittee of the USNC, and then forwarded to the IAU Executive Office in Paris for official action at the General Assembly to be held August 3-14, 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

General Assembly registrants should advise the local organizing committee in charge of registration to contact the IAU Executive Office in Paris for membership confirmation.  Final voting on membership recommendations will take place by the IAU this summer.

When is the Next Application Cycle?
The application cycle for IAU membership opens approximately 9 months before the IAU General Assembly.  As the IAU meets every 3 years, the next opportunity to apply for membership will be in late 2011. Check back on our website for additional information at that time.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
Membership in IAU is open to individuals as well as countries. New members are encouraged to contribute to the work of IAU Divisions and Commissions. The procedures for submission and approval of membership applications are described in Chapter II of the Working Rules. Consult general information on IAU Individual Membership on the IAU webpage.

 Supporting Young Astronomers
The USNC/IAU promotes the involvement of young astronomers in IAU activities, such as a Young Astronomers Workshop held during IAU General Assemblies.  Workshop participants are able to meet with the IAU Executive Committee and other senior astronomers to discuss research, education, and employment opportunities.

 Participation in Past IAU General Assemblies
The USNC/Astronomy was both active and visible at the International Astronomical Union’s XXVI General Assembly in Prague in August 2006, sponsoring a number of very successful, well-attended events including a Women’s Luncheon, U.S. Reception, and Young Astronomer activities. 

 Women’s Luncheon
With funding provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the USNC-Astronomy supported a lunch for women astronomers at the IAU GA. Over 300 participants representing 49 countries attended the event held August 21^st. The geographical distribution ranged from large, developed countries (United States, Russian Federation, Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom) to developing countries (Armenia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Macedonia, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago, Vietnam). Over 90 percent of participants were women.

The lunch focused on recent changes in the status of women in astronomy and on the formulation of strategies that will improve the environment for all astronomers. Two speakers, Dr. Sunetra Giridhar from the Indian Institute of Astronomy and Dr. Patricia Knezek from the WYIN Observatory in Arizona, opened the event, and their talks were followed by breakout discussions on five issues over lunch. Topics included unequal opportunity, mentoring and self-confidence, family responsibilities, dual careers, and recent statistics. Results of these discussions were reported back to the larger group at the end of meeting. Organizers hope to offer a similar lunch at the 2009 IAU GA in Rio de Janeiro.

 United States Reception
The USNC-Astronomy also sponsored a reception on August 17^th at the Palffy Palace in Prague. Supported with private funds, the reception provided a wonderful opportunity for members of the USNC-Astronomy to meet and talk with current and incoming officers of the IAU, leaders of various astronomical societies, government officials, the local organizing committee, and other important astronomers. It too was well-attended and quite successful.

 Young Astronomer Activities
Two new activities for young astronomers, a luncheon-workshop and a consulting service, were established at the 2006 IAU GA in Prague. The purpose of these events was to familiarize young astronomers with international gatherings and to stimulate contact between young astronomers and more experienced colleagues.

Sponsored by the USNC-Astronomy through a grant from the NSF, the August 15th luncheon-workshop paired 2 senior astronomers and 9 young astronomers at each of the 20 round tables. Discussion at each table focused on 2 to 3 specific questions, suggested and chosen in advance by the young astronomers through web interface before the General Assembly. The questions revolved around 3 general themes: career strategies; characteristics and opportunities of various institutions and organizations; and the role and responsibilities of scientists generally and astronomers specifically. In total, 41 senior astronomers and 177 young astronomers from 45 different countries participated in the luncheon-workshop. While most of the young astronomers had received their Ph.D., a few were either undergraduates, graduate students without a Ph.D., or in postdoc positions. Almost all were between 20 and 35 years old.

The luncheon-workshop was supplemented by a second activity, the Young Astronomers’ Consulting Service. Throughout the two-week GA and by prearranged appointment, young astronomers could seek the advice of more experienced colleagues on a variety of topics, such as CV preparation, thesis selection, and job opportunities. Many of these one-on-one discussions took place at the special office for young astronomers at the Congress Center where the GA took place. A questionnaire completed by the participants at the end of the event rated the luncheon-workshop a success, with 93% of attendees recommending that a similar event be offered at the 2009 GA. Young astronomers were particularly impressed by the accessibility and availability of senior astronomers.

Learn more about the outcomes of the 2006 IAU General Assembly held in Prague, Czech Republic.

Current Membership

RESOURCE LINKS

Sponsor

The USNC/IAUis supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. MPS-0650065.

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