Announcement by the organising committee of the IAU General Assembly 2024
The National Organising Committee of the 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 (IAU GA 2024) proudly announces the opening of abstract submissions and grant applications. This landmark event, hosted by the National Research Foundation, with strong support from the Department of Science and Innovation, is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 15, 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa, and online, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held on the African continent, embracing three core principles of Accessibility, Impact and Sustainability.
This General Assembly is poised to be historic, not only because of its unique location but also due to its commitment to making astronomical science more accessible, impactful, and environmentally sustainable. The IAU GA 2024 aims to foster a family-friendly conference environment, promoting inclusive participation through its novel hybrid conferencing model.
Call for Abstracts
We invite the global astronomical community to submit abstracts for oral presentations and posters, available for both in-person and virtual participants. Submissions are open from 30 November 2023, to 01 March 2024, and can be made via the conference website (www.astronomy2024.org). Early bird registration rates are available until 01 March 2024.
Grant Opportunities
In line with our goal of inclusivity, conference participants can apply for a grant to support their participation in the IAU GA 2024., including IAU Grants and Africa Grants. These grants aim to support astronomers and students, particularly those with limited means of support and young scientists. We encourage interested participants to apply as part of their abstract submission process. The deadline for grant applications is also 01 March 2024.
Event Highlights
The IAU GA 2024 will feature an array of scientific sessions, symposia, and meetings across various astronomical disciplines. Some examples include symposia on Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, Advances in Solar Observations, and Planetary Science in the JWST Era, among others. Division and Working Group meetings will cover topics from Fundamental Astronomy to Dark and Quiet Sky Protection. A full list is available on the website: https://astronomy2024.org/programme/
Message from the Organisers
“We are excited to welcome the astronomy world to Africa in 2024! Our team has been working hard to ensure that this will be a historic and memorable event, not only for the astronomers and students who attend, but also for the public at large” says Mr Kevin Govender, Chair of the National Organising Committee, IAU GA 2024.
Further Information
For more details on abstract submission, grant applications, and the conference program, please visit our website at https://astronomy2024.org or contact us at registrations@astronomy2024.org.
About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body for astronomers.
About the NRF
The NRF is a government-mandated research and science development agency. The NRF funds research, the development of high-end Human Capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields. The goal of the NRF is to create innovative funding instruments, advance research career development, increase public science engagement and establish leading-edge research platforms that will transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. The NRF promotes South African research and innovation interests across the country and internationally, and together with research institutions, business, industry and international partners, and builds bridges between research communities for mutual benefit that contributes to National Development.