Abstract and Grant Submissions Open for IAU General Assembly 2024 in Africa

Cape Town, South Africa – The National Organising Committee of the 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 (IAU GA 2024) proudly announces the opening of abstract submissions and grant applications. This landmark event, hosted by the National Research Foundation, with strong support from the Department of Science and Innovation, is scheduled to take place from 06 to 15 August 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa, and online, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held on the African continent. It will embrace three core principles of Accessibility, Impact and Sustainability.

This General Assembly is poised to be historic, not only because of its unique location but also due to its commitment to make astronomical science more accessible, impactful, and environmentally sustainable. The IAU GA 2024 aims to foster a family-friendly conference environment, promoting inclusive participation through its novel hybrid conferencing model.

Call for Abstracts

We invite the global astronomical community to submit abstracts for oral presentations and posters, available for both in-person and virtual participants. Submissions are open from 30 November 2023, to 01 March 2024, and can be made via the conference website (www.astronomy2024.org). Early bird registration rates are available until 01 March 2024.

Grant Opportunities

In line with our goal of inclusivity, conference participants can apply for a grant to support their participation in the IAU GA 2024, including IAU Grants and Africa Grants. These grants aim to support astronomers and students, particularly those with limited means of support, and young scientists. We encourage interested participants to apply as part of their abstract submission process. The deadline for grant applications is also 01 March 2024.

The IAU GA 2024 will feature an array of scientific sessions, symposia, and meetings across various astronomical disciplines such as Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, Advances in Solar Observations, and Planetary Science in the JWST Era, among others. Division and Working Group meetings will cover topics from Fundamental Astronomy to Dark and Quiet Sky Protection. A full list is available on the website: https://astronomy2024.org/programme/

“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” says Mr Kevin Govender, Chair of the National Organising Committee, IAU GA 2024.

Further Information

For more details on abstract submission, grant applications, and the conference program, please visit our website at https://astronomy2024.org or contact us at registrations@astronomy2024.org.

About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

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.