The IAU Symposium 334 Rediscovering our Galaxy has been awarded two prizes at the 2018 Potsdam Congress Prize (PKP*18). The prizes, awarded annually, recognise organisers of conferences in the fields of science, research, business and culture taking place in Potsdam.

This IAU Symposium has been awarded the prize in the category of Individual Events, for its high scientific significance, comprehensive supporting program, and study trips to scientific institutions, creating a positive image of Potsdam. It also received the prize in the category of Innovative and/or Extraordinary Events for its use of innovative conference technologies.

Almost 200 astronomers from 25 countries participated in the Symposium in July 2017, when they discussed new research in the field of Galactic Archaeology, and our rapidly-increasing knowledge of the Milky Way. The rich program included discussion panels with experts in the field and discussions on the topics of equality and diversity in science. About forty children from an international school in Berlin also visited the Symposium, where they had the opportunity to see the Great Refractor and the Einstein Tower, and to experience a cosmological galaxy formation in virtual reality.

The awards were presented on 28 February 2019 during a special event at the Inselhotel in Potsdam, where the organisers of the conferences were invited to celebrate their achievements.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 13 500 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.

Links

• Potsdam Congress Prize
• AIP press release

Contacts

Cristina Chiappini
Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP)
Tel: +49 331-7499 454
Email: cristina.chiappini@aip.de

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 320 06 761
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org