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. Information on IAU scientific activities and interdisciplinary programs are available on the IAU website. Obtain IAU publications from the publisher or consult the IAU website here. 2006 General Assembly The USNC/Astronomy was both active and visible at the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) 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 21st. 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 17th 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. Back to top International Travel Grants and Educational Activities To attend the IAU General Assemblies and other international conferences, individuals at U.S. institutions may apply to the AAS International Travel Grant program. Information is available at http://www.aas.org/grants/itg.html. Grants are supported by the National Science Foundation. For researchers and students in countries with economic difficulties, travel grants to IAU-sponsored meetings and general assemblies are available. Travel awards for short term visits are administered by the IAU Commission on Astronomy Education and Development. The IAU conducts International Schools for Young Astronomers, Visiting Lecturer Program, and Exchange of Astronomers Program. Valuable educational programs are also reported by IAU Commission on Astronomy Education and Development. IAU Membership 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.

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