The IAU invites applications from national organisations interested in joining the IAU National Membership as Observers. Any country that wishes to promote and develop professional astronomy in their community and to support the IAU’s mission to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education, and development, through international cooperation is welcome to apply as Observer at any time.

During the Business Meetings at the IAU XXXII General Assembly in South Africa in 2024, National Members Representatives decided by majority that interested national organisations can now apply for Observer status on an ongoing basis without having to wait for the General Assemblies every three years. This will allow for rapid integration into the international astronomical community while waiting for the next General Assembly to request a change of status from Observer to Regular Member according to the appropriate procedure. 

National Members are organisations representing a national professional astronomical community that wish to participate actively in the international arena. National Members may be organisations through which scientists of the corresponding nation or territory adhere to the International Science Council (ISC), a National Astronomical Society or Committee, or an Institution of Higher Education.

To apply, please email the IAU Head of Administration/Director of the Secretariat, Rosaria D’Antonio (dantonio@iap.fr).

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.

Links

• IAU Membership
• IAU National Members

Contacts

Willy Benz
IAU President
Email: willy.benz@unibe.ch

Rosaria D’Antonio
IAU Head of Administration / Director of the Secretariat 
Email: dantonio@iap.fr

Lina Canas
IAU Membership Coordinator
Email: lina.canas@iau.org / iaupressoffice@iau.org