What’s New? The International Astronomical Union On-Line Application for Nomination to IAU Membership Currently Available The USNC/IAU invites qualified scientists to apply for individual membership in the International Astronomical Union. Nomination by the USNC will ensure an invitation to the IAU General Assembly to be held August 3-14, 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. USNC/IAU will notify applicants of their status by April 4, 2009. Click here to enter the application. 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. USNC/IAU Brochure Download the 2008 USNC/IAU brochure (98KB PDF).			Who We Are… The International Astronomical Union (IAU) promotes and coordinates worldwide cooperation in astronomy. The IAU, through its 11 Scientific Divisions and 40 Commissions covering the full spectrum of astronomy, plays a key role in fostering international collaborations. The U.S. National Committee (USNC) for the IAU represents the interests of the U.S. astronomical community and safeguards the intellectual vigor of the Union. The USNC/IAU explores issues in: Interdisciplinary Research and Resources; Individual IAU Membership; Access to Scientific Data and Information; Diversity Among Astronomers; and Young Researcher Participation in IAU. Committee Activities 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. Travel Grants 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. The next submission deadline is January 9, 2009. Visit the AAS website for additional details… View past USNC/IAU activities…		Meetings August 3-14, 2009 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil IAU’s XXVII General Assembly will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Click here for registration information… XXVI General Assembly Learn more about the outcomes of the 2006 IAU General Assembly held in Prague, Czech Republic. International Visitors Office Scientists and students traveling to the United States for professional activities can obtain information from the International Visitors Office, a program operated by the BISO. Contact Us U.S. National Committee for the International Astronomical Union The National Academies Board on International Scientific Organizations Keck Center 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Tel: (202) 334 2807 Fax: (202) 334 2231 Email: iau-us@nas.edu Kathie Bailey-Mathae, Director Pam Gamble, Administrative Assistant Sponsor The USNC/IUCr is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. MPS-0650065. The National Research Council of National Academy of Sciences is the U.S. adhering body to the IAU. The USNC operates within the National Research Council's Board on International Scientific Organizations (BISO).
Revised 29 October 2008