One definition of a catalyst is something which facilitates or incites activity. This is exactly one of the main objectives of the IAU Catalyst, the revived IAU Bulletin which is now returning after a several-year-long hiatus. In addition to stimulating discussion and activity, the IAU Catalyst is intended as a tool for the direct communication of the various IAU structures with members and with other international scientific organisations and 

The IAU Catalyst will include organisational news from within the IAU, reports on scientific meetings, news from ongoing astronomical projects and more. It will serve as a convenient way of keeping up to date with news from the IAU and the wider astronomical community, and a platform for members to share news of their own.

The Catalyst will be issued twice a year, as an electronic-only bulletin. We hope you enjoy reading it and encourage you to get involved in future issues by submitting news and contributions about events or topics that you consider relevant to IAU members.

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.

Contacts

Maria Teresa Lago
General Secretary
Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 43 25 83 58
Email: IAU_GS_2018@iap.fr

Madeleine Smith-Spanier
IAU Database Manager
Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 43 25 83 58
Email: smith@iap.fr

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