Abstract submission and grant applications are now open for the XXXII IAU General Assembly (IAU GA 2024). This landmark event, hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), with support from the Department of Science and Innovation, will take place from 6 to 15 August 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, in a hybrid format.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) invites the global astronomical community to submit abstracts for oral presentations and posters, from both in-person and virtual participants. Submissions can be made via the conference website and will close on 1 March 2024, along with early bird registration.

In line with the LOC’s core value of inclusivity, conference participants can apply for a grant to help with the costs of attending the assembly. This funding is intended to support astronomers and students, particularly early-career scientists and those with limited means. The LOC encourages interested participants to apply as part of their abstract submission process. The deadline for grant applications is also 1 March 2024.

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. Meetings of the IAU Divisions and Working Groups will cover topics from Fundamental Astronomy to Dark and Quiet Sky Protection. A full programme is available on the website.

Kevin Govender, Chair of the National Organising Committee, IAU GA 2024, said: “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.”

For more details on abstract submission, grant applications, and the conference programme, please visit the event website or send an email to registrations@astronomy2024.org.

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.

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.

Links

• Abstract submission and grant applications
• Welcome video

Contacts

Kevin Govender
IAU GA 2024 National Organising Committee Chair
Email: info@astronomy2024.org / kg@astro4dev.org

Daniel Cunnama
IAU GA 2024 National Organising Committee Communications
Email: info@astronomy2024.org / d.cunnama@saao.nrf.ac.za 

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Director of Communications
Cell: +1 520 461 0433/+49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu