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 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. The National Academy of Sciences is the U.S. adhering body to the IAU. The U.S. National Committee operates within the National Research Council's Board on International Scientific Organizations, a unit of the Policy and Global Affairs Division. Download the 2007 USNC/IAU Promotional brochure.		The 27th IAU General Assesmbly will be held from August 2-15, 2009, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 2006 IAU General Assembly was held in Prague, Czech Republic. Learn More The International Visitors Office, at the National Academies, provides information on the visa process for scientists coming to the United States for meetings or exchange programs. It is also helpful for those organizing international conferences in the United States. Support for the USNC/IAU is provided by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. MPS-0650065.
Revised: 4 March 2008