The International Astronomical Union (IAU) invites applications from organisations and countries interested in joining the IAU National Membership. Proposals should be submitted by 1 December 2023 and will be considered at the IAU XXXII General Assembly in South Africa in 2024.
Joining the IAU signifies an interest in promoting and developing professional astronomy in their community. National Members are organisations representing a national professional astronomical community desiring to participate in international frameworks actively. They also support the IAU’s mission of promoting and safeguarding the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education, and development, through international cooperation.
Applications for National Members are open every three years and close eight months before the IAU General Assemblies. National Members are paramount in deciding the future of the Union by determining the overall policies, approving changes to the Statutes and Bye-Laws, electing the Executive Committee to implement its decisions, and approving budgetary decisions, as well as appointing the Special Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, and Membership Committee. Additionally, National Members can nominate Honorary, Individual, and Junior Members and propose to host General Assemblies.
Applications for IAU National Membership should include:
- A description of the organisation requesting IAU National Membership, including its role in the astronomical activity of its country. The basic organisational structure, key personnel and funding sources should be explained.
- An overview of recent and planned professional astronomical activities in the country, including a listing of astronomical institutes and the number of professional astronomers and their astronomical or astronomy-related projects.
- The class of IAU National Membership the country seeks and the proposed Category of Adherence (Bye-Laws §VII.25)[2].
The IAU Executive Committee is also interested in details of the specific benefits to local astronomical activity and development that a prospective National Member hopes to gain from membership in the Union.
Submissions are accepted until 1 December 2023. To apply, please complete the application form and email the IAU General Secretary, copying the IAU Membership Coordinator.
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