The IAU extends a revised invitation to National Members to submit Letters of Intent to host the IAU XXXIII General Assembly in 2027 (GA2027). This triennial event takes place over 10–12 days, offering a rich scientific programme and facilitating meetings and new collaborations between astronomers.

The reason for reopening this call is that the conditions for hosting GA2027 have changed as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also caused the delay of the XXXI General Assembly from 2021 to 2022. It is expected that GA2027 will be held as a hybrid meeting — mostly in-person but with a virtual option offered for those unable to travel. Those who sent Letters of Intent in November 2020 are requested to re-send them to confirm their interest.

The GA2027 programme includes 6 Symposia and 12 Focus Meetings, which will be selected by the IAU Executive Committee. There will also be Invited Discourses by distinguished scientists, scientific meetings organised by the nine IAU Divisions, meetings organised by each of the four IAU Offices and the Executive Committee Working Groups, IAU administrative sessions, public lectures, and a social programme.

Hosting an IAU General Assembly is an exciting prospect for a member state and its local astronomy community, since there are typically a few thousand astronomers from across the world in attendance. The IAU strives to offer this opportunity to as many countries around the world as possible. Therefore, please note that countries that have hosted GAs within the last 15 years (i.e., one of the last 5 GAs) are unlikely to be selected to host GA2027.

Brief Letters of Intent to host GA2027 should be submitted to the General Secretary by the deadline of 1 November 2021. All proposers are requested to supply additional information to the General Secretary by 1 December 2021. More details are available in the Rules & Guidelines for hosts, as are the follow-up questions that are due by 1 December 2021. A shortlist of four proposers will be made by 15 December 2021 or shortly thereafter, and an invitation for full proposals will follow. Bid Books will be due on 1 April 2022.

More information

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.

Contacts

José Miguel Rodriguez Espinosa
General Secretary
Email: IAU-general.secretary@iap.fr

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Cell: +1 520 461 0433
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu