The IAU stands in solidarity with protesters worldwide, united in rejecting the racist and discriminatory behaviour that blights societies across the globe. 

Inequity and racism prohibit, damage and limit the scientific careers of individuals throughout their lives, and also deprive science of valuable contributions. As an international organisation of professional astronomers, the IAU remains wholly committed to working with the community to end discrimination and foster an inclusive environment that allows scientific research, education, development and public outreach to fully prosper for the benefit of humankind. 

In addition to our recently established IAU Code of Conduct, the IAU Executive Committee Working Group on Astronomy for Equity and Inclusion is pursuing a Springboard to Action to address these issues, building on the recent IAU Symposium on Astronomy for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The IAU will continue to work to accelerate actions towards an equitable, diverse, and representative global astronomical community. We cannot achieve the levels of scientific progress we aspire toward in a world divided. Together, we can conquer ignorance, vanquish hatred, and help build the better world we envision.

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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

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org