Applications for Division Steering Committee Elections

President of Inter-Division A-F Commission Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy
Steering Committee Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy
Organizing Committee Member of Inter-Division A-F Commission Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy
Past Vice-President of Inter-Division A-F Commission Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy (2018-2021)
Past Organizing Committee Member of Inter-Division A-F Commission Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy (2018-2021)

Motivation:

The application of modern methods and tools for monitoring the scientific and organizational development of fundamental astronomy requires a large scale co-ordination of astronomers at international level. In the past, the IAU Division A has played a key role in such co-ordination. The IAU has served as the reference body when basic issues to be addressed arises, starting from the most basic ones (as is the definition of reference frames and the accurate representation of the positions of celestial bodies), and passing to specific services, e.g., the provision of ephemerides and the investigation of the physical laws behind fundamental astronomy. My motivation for the present candidacy is to assist the next President, as well as to contribute to such co-ordination role of the IAU Division A, promoting synergies and actions, whenever required, in the framework provided through the IAU activity. In this I hope to be able to draw experience through my past involvement in the A4 steering committee.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Marcelo

Last Name: Assafin

Email: massaf@ov.ufrj.br

Secondary Email: marcelossafin@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Brazil

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

. Division A Steering Committee member (2021-2024);
. Chair of Division A WG Astrometry by Small Ground-Based Telescopes (2012-2015, 2015-2018, 2018-2021);
. Vice-Chair of Division A WG Astrometry by Small Ground-Based Telescopes (2021-2024)
. Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy;
. Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science;
. Member of Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology;
. Member of Commission A1 Astrometry;
. Member of Commission B1 Computational Astrophysics;
. Member of Commission F2 Exoplanets and the Solar system;
. IAU member since 2003;

Motivation:

The motivation for my candidacy is to represent the Astrometry community engaged on projects which involve the use of small to medium-sized telescopes.

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First Name: Ahmed

Middle Name: Magdy Abdelaziz

Last Name: Moursi

Email: ahmed_astro84@yahoo.com

Secondary Email: ahmed_astro84@nriag.sci.eg

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Egypt

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy
Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies, and Data Science
Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
Past Member of Executive Committee WG Junior Members (2020-2022)

Motivation:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in becoming a member of the Division Steering Committee for the Fundamental Astronomy Division. Having been an active participant in the field for several years, I am excited about the prospect of contributing my skills and dedication to the strategic planning and decision-making processes of the division.

My passion for fundamental astronomy, combined with my academic and professional background, positions me as a dedicated candidate for this crucial role. I hold a Ph.D. in astronomy (space dynamics) from Al-Azhar University, Egypt, where I developed a solid foundation in fundamental principles and methodologies in astronomy. Over the years, I have built upon this foundation by actively engaging in research projects, attending conferences, and collaborating with esteemed professionals in the field.

As i assistant Professor, I have demonstrated leadership and organizational skills in various capacities. These experiences have equipped me with the ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and navigate complex decision-making processes.

As a member of the Division Steering Committee, I am committed to promoting the interests and goals of the Fundamental Astronomy Division. I am particularly interested in contributing to celestial m, mechanics, and dynamical astronomy, and I am confident that my unique perspective and skills will complement the diverse expertise of the committee.

In addition to my professional qualifications, I bring a genuine enthusiasm for fostering a supportive and inclusive community within the division. I believe that by actively engaging with fellow committee members and division members, we can create an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of fundamental astronomy research.

I am honored to be considered for this important role and would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with the goals of the Division Steering Committee. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the continued success of the Fundamental Astronomy Division.

Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Anthony

Middle Name: James

Last Name: Beasley

Email: tbeasley@nrao.edu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Advisor of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science (current)
Advisor of Commission B4 Radio Astronomy (current)
Organizing Committee Member of Commission B4 Radio Astronomy (current)
Past President of Commission B4 Radio Astronomy (2018-2021)
Past Vice-President of Commission B4 Radio Astronomy (2015-2018)
Past Steering Committee Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science (2018-2021)
Past Steering Committee Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science (2012-2015)

Motivation:

Division B (Facilities, Technologies and Data Science) is one of the largest and most technically-diverse divisions in the IAU, and strong coordination/collaboration between people, instruments, projects and nations is important to achieve the scientific ambitions of the global research community. The programs of the IAU and its Divisions are designed to support these efforts, and continuing to discuss and disseminate the great scientific results and instrumental plans of our broad community, while seeking improvements in our processes at the Division and Commission levels, is important. If elected vice president, I will support the Division president and the IAU Executive team in interfacing to the large Division B membership, and seek new processes and procedures to simply access and collaboration between all Divisions/Commissions.

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First Name: Ashish

Last Name: Mahabal

Email: aam@astro.caltech.edu

Secondary Email: mahabal.ashish@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

(1) As the outgoing President of the IAU's Commission B3 on Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics, I've led efforts in the past three years to forge valuable connections with diverse groups, enhancing the commission's interdisciplinary reach and impact.
(2) I chaired the symposium "Machine Learning in Astronomy: Possibilities and Pitfalls" at the Busan General Assembly. This event, offered both in-person and via hybrid modes, explored the innovative applications and challenges of machine learning in our field.
(3) During India's G20 presidency in 2023, I spearheaded the S20 Astroinformatics policy meeting, resulting in seven pivotal white papers. Though not an IAU event, this gathering drew representatives from approximately 20 countries, setting a precedent for ongoing dialogue through future G20 presidencies in Brazil (2024) and South Africa (2025).
(4) My involvement in various American Astronomical Society (AAS) committees reflects a deep commitment to areas central to Division B's interests, including astroinformatics and time-domain astronomy, showcasing a continued effort to bridge disciplines within the astronomical community.
(5) A founding member of the National Virtual Observatory (NVO), which evolved into the Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO), I remain active in the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA), demonstrating a longstanding dedication to advancing data-driven astronomy through international collaboration.

Motivation:

Division B's mandate encompasses Facilities, Technologies, and Data Science, areas at the forefront of the astronomical revolution driven by rapid technological advances, including generative AI and large language models. Our expansive datasets place us at the heart of this transformation, actively shaping astronomy's future.

My leadership of Commission B3 on Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics, combined with roles at Caltech's Center for Data Driven Discovery, ZTF, IUCAA, and various astronomical working groups (AAS, LSST), equips me to navigate the challenges and opportunities of this evolving landscape. These positions offer a unique perspective on leveraging technology and data science to open new astronomical frontiers.

Moreover, my collaborative work on early cancer detection with JPL underscores methodology transfers, illustrating the societal impact and broader applications of astronomical technologies.

Initiatives like the policy-level S20 Astroinformatics meetings underscore my commitment to expanding Division B's scope through high-level international collaboration. This is vital for securing support for next-generation telescopes and cross-country data platforms.

My goal is to support aligning Division B's technological advancements with the IAU's objectives, fostering collaboration across commissions to advance our collective mission in astronomy.

More details in a recently published Caltech Heritage Project interview at https://heritageproject.caltech.edu/interviews-updates/ashish-mahabal

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First Name: Mamta

Last Name: Pommier

Email: mamtapommier@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Chair of Executive Committee WG Women in Astronomy
Steering Committee Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
Organizing Committee Member of Executive Committee WG Women in Astronomy
Member of Executive Committee WG Global Coordination of Ground and Space Astrophysics
Member of Executive Committee WG Astronomy for Equity and Inclusion
Member of Commission B4 Radio Astronomy
Member of Commission C2 Communicating Astronomy with the Public
Member of Commission J3 Galaxies at the Epoch of Reionisation
Member of Commission C2 WG Communicating Climate Change Through Astronomy
Member of Commission B4 WG Global VLBI Alliance

Motivation:

Commission B seeks to unite the efforts of scientists and engineers engaged in ground and space-based exploration of the Universe across various wavelengths. Their goal is to foster ongoing advancements in sensitivity, spatial resolution, broad field of view, high-performance computing, and data science within each wavelength domain.

I wish to help achieve this, by organizing meetings with diverse working groups to promote international collaboration and the sharing of ideas to tackle the challenges encountered by ground and space-based facilities. Moreover, my objective is to support initiatives and establish resources facilitating the effective utilization of large-scale survey data accessible in the public domain, while also promoting gender balance.

My background as a Radio Astronomer, member of the IAU Executive committee, Chair of the Women in Astronomy Working Group, and Steering Committee Member of Division B has equipped me with the requisite experience and skills to serve as the vice president of Division B effectively.

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First Name: Priya

Middle Name: (Hasan)

Last Name: Shah

Email: priya.hasan@gmail.com

Secondary Email: priyashasan@yahoo.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Co-Chair of IAU-WG Women in Astronomy
Part of Organising Commitee of Commision H1

Motivation:

Have been very involved in Data Science, esp Machine Learning at research as well as Education level.
Have conducted various Training Programs both offline and online as part of Women in Astronomy WG-IAU (including men, ofcourse!). Would like to focus on similar Training Programs with all the vast variety of Data Available.

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First Name: Constance

Middle Name: Elaine

Last Name: Walker

Email: connie.walker@noirlab.edu

Secondary Email: connie.walker@iau.cps.org

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

* IAU President of Commission B7 (as well as VP) (til August 2024)
* IAU Chair of the EC WG on Dark and Quiet Sky Protection (til August 2024)
* IAU CPS Center Co-Director (presently)
* NSF NOIRLab's head of the Office of Observatory Site Protection (presently)
* Co-chair or chair of 5 recent conferences: IAU Dark & Quiet Skies I & II (2020 & 2021), SATCON 1 & 2 (2020 & 2021) and the IAU Symposium #385 on Astronomy & Satellite Constellations: Pathways Forward (2023)
* DarkSky International Board Member (presently)
* A member in leadership roles on the AAS Committee to Protect Astronomy and the Space Environment (presently)
* IAU Cornerstone Chair for the IYA Cornerstone on Dark Skies Awareness (2009) & IYL Cornerstone on Dark Skies Awareness (2015)
* IAU100 Global Projects for the Quality Lighting Teaching coordinator & IAU Dark Skies for All Project coordinator
* An author of the 2009 B5 IAU resolution & on a recently submitted IAU resolution on satellite constellations

Motivation:

The short answer is to serve for the greater good of Division B and the IAU. The experiences I have had in the positions listed above point the next step to be requesting candidacy as VP for Division B. Having worked in the aerospace engineering world as an electrical engineer and working over 20 years at a national optical astronomy observatory with the last few years in a leadership role, I have experience in the technology and operations side of running an observatory. I have kept abreast of new developments and challenges that are at the cutting edge of our field, with Rubin Observatory and the US-ELT as examples of future large-scale facilities. Some of those new challenges include the impact of satellite constellations. My role as co-chair of the IAU CPS is keeping me on top of those issues and solutions. My role as head of the NOIRLab Office of Observatory Site Protection keeps me on top of the light pollution issues and solutions at observatories and surrounding communities. I look forward to the prospect of being a candidate for Division B Vice President with the hope to serve Division B and IAU as a whole.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Anthony

Middle Name: James

Last Name: Beasley

Email: tbeasley@nrao.edu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Motivation:

A large organization like IAU Div B needs to process a lot of information, requests and issues during the course of a year, and that requires input and effort from a wide variety of people/backgrounds. As a member of the division Steering Committee, there is an opportunity to support the Division management functions, providing horsepower and new perspectives. During my time as Comm B4 President, I greatly enjoyed the different perspectives my Steering Committee offered, and I hope I might provide the same benefits to our Division in future. I can't promise universal wisdom, but I'll always turn up for the meetings.

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First Name: Valerio

Last Name: Carruba

Email: vcarruba@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Brazil

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I have attended various IAU general assemblies and have been a member since 2005.

Motivation:

One of the main focuses of our group's research is the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to study small solar system bodies. This is a relatively new field, and, in my opinion, is still underrepresented. One of the goals of my candidacy will be to popularize the use of new methods for astronomical research and to foster the enlargement of the scientific community working in the field.

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First Name: Chenzhou

Last Name: CUI

Email: ccz@nao.cas.cn

Secondary Email: cb@lamost.org

Gender: Male

Country of Work: China, Nanjing

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I am an active member of the IAU. My IAU experience including:

President of Commission B2 Data and Documentation;
Steering Committee Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science;
Organizing Committee Member of Commission B2 Data and Documentation;
Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage;
Member of Commission B2 Data and Documentation;
Member of Commission B3 Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics;
Member of Commission C2 Communicating Astronomy with the Public;
Member of Division B WG Virtual Observatory;
Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science.

Past affiliation(s) within the IAU include:

Past Vice-President of Commission B2 Data and Documentation (2018-2021);
Past Chair of Commission B2 WG Data Driven Astronomy Education and Public Outreach (DAEPO) (2017-2021);
Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission B2 Data and Documentation (2018-2021);
Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission B2 Data and Documentation (2015-2018);
Past Member of Commission B2 WG Data Driven Astronomy Education and Public Outreach (DAEPO) (2017-2021);
Past Member of Commission 5 Documentation & Astronomical Data (until 2015);
Past Member of Division XII Union-Wide Activities (until 2012).

Motivation:

Open Science is an initiative led by the global scientific community under the guidance of UNESCO and the International Science Council. The IAU is actively engaged in advocating for the Open Science initiative. The scientific objectives of Division B "Facilities, Technologies and Data Science" align closely with the goals of Open Science. With over 20 years of experience in facilities, technologies, and data science, as well as a strong passion for open science, I believe I am well-suited for a role on the Steering Committee. My dedication and enthusiasm for the astronomy community are evident from my involvement in the IAU.

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First Name: Bradley

Middle Name: S

Last Name: Frank

Email: bradley.frank@stfc.ac.uk

Secondary Email: frank.brad@gmail.com

Gender: Not defined

Country of Work: United Kingdom

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Former Member of GA2024 National Organising Committee (Co-Chair of the Science Sub-Committee)
Member of I-HOW Steering Committee

Motivation:

I am an expert radio astronomer and have played a leading role in designing, developing, and commissioning telescopes and instrumentation for observatories and science data centres. I lead two high-performing teams focused on designing and building software and systems for next-generation observatories, ranging from the VLT (e.g., CUBES), ELT (e.g., HARMONI and ANDES), the SKA and ALMA. I have experience with astronomical surveys, data processing, observatory management (e.g., oversight) and research. I have a unique view of the different facets of astronomy – as an astronomer, I am active in research projects and well-versed in algorithm and systems development; as an engineering leader, I am experienced in the best practices related to instrumentation development, data processing and management. I have an excellent grasp of the issues facing observatories, technology institutes and data centres, and I have an insider's view of the astronomical data management lifecycle, e.g., from ideation, to proposal to publication. I believe I can play a strong role in leading, promoting and supporting the Division and its constituent commissions.

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First Name: Leonid

Middle Name: I.

Last Name: Gurvits

Email: lgurvits@jive.eu

Secondary Email: gurvits@jive.eu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Netherlands

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

• Chair of Inter-Commission B4-C3 WG Historical Radio Astronomy (Inter-Union IAU-URSI) (2021–pt)
• IAU Representative to URSI (2019–pt)
• Past Co-Chair of Inter-Commission B4-C3 WG Historical Radio Astronomy (Inter-Union IAU-URSI) (2018–2021)
• Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission 44 Space & High Energy Astrophysics (2009–2012)
• Past Organizing Committee Member of Division XI Space & High Energy Astrophysics (2006–2009)
• Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission 44 Space & High Energy Astrophysics (2006–2009)
• Past Organizing Committee Member of Division XI Space & High Energy Astrophysics (2003–2006)
• Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission 44 Space & High Energy Astrophysics (2003–2006)
• Past Member of IAU Working Group “Astronomy from the Moon” (1997-2003)

Motivation:

Over my entire professional career, I have been involved in developing and exploiting advanced Earth-based and spaceborne astronomical instrumentation, primarily for radio astronomy, but also for planetary science and fundamental physics. These activities dealt with the largest and most expensive astronomical facilities, all, with no exceptions – international. They all required cutting-edge technologies. These included the European and global VLBI networks, Square Kilometre Array, space VLBI missions VSOP and RadioAstron, planetary science missions Cassini-Huygens and JUICE. At present, astronomy is entering its revolutionary period marked by the advent of gravitational wave astronomy. This makes even more topical achieving the most efficient balance between all branches of astronomy in terms of distributing the available material and budgetary resources, and above all – the human capital. The new era of multimessenger astronomy requires the broadest possible synergy between major efforts in all areas of astronomical research. I would be delighted to offer my ~40-yrs-long experience of working in observational astronomy to assisting in the IAU Division B activities aiming to form and steer developments of facilities and technologies in the traditional electromagnetic astronomy and new gravitational wave astronomy.

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First Name: Saeko

Middle Name: S.

Last Name: HAYASHI

Email: saeko.hayashi@ipmu.jp

Secondary Email: space808h@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Japan

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Division C SC 2015-2021
Division C Secretary 2018-2021
Member of Division B, C, F, H,
Member of Inter-Division B-C Commission Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites
Member of Commission C1, C2, F2,
Member of Inter-Commission C1-C2-C3-C4 WG Astronomy in Culture (WGAC)
Member of Executive Committee WG Exoplanetary System Nomenclature
Member of Executive Committee WG Global Coordination of Ground and Space Astrophysics
Member of Inter-Division B-C Commission WG Site Protection

Motivation:

I strongly believe in making effective and enhanced connections between the three major areas of Division B to promote astronomy throughout the world. Becoming a member of SC of this division will not only give the opportunity to learn the ongoing effort, but also foresee the path we all should take together. More than two decades of being a resident in an excellent astronomical site taught me to respect the nature and the culture, and the co-existence of them (nature and human endeavors), as well as with the collaboration with outside entities.

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First Name: Bhal Chandra

Last Name: Joshi

Email: bcj@ncra.tifr.res.in

Secondary Email: bhalchandrajos@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

I am a practising radio astronomer with contributions to radio astronomy instrumentation and radio pulsar astrophysics. I have been involved in setting up the Giant Meterwave Radio telescope (GMRT) from the early days of its commissioning and led the design and engineering as well as upgrade of the servo control system for two decades at the GMRT. I also contributed in commissioning of coherent dedispersion system at GMRT and the Ooty Radio telescope (ORT) and time and frequency standards. I was also involved in Radio-Astron science for space VLBI as part of Radio-Astron International Science Council. I actively conduct pulsar research in single pulse phenomenology, pulsar surveys and precision pulsar timing and initiated the Indian Pulsar Timing Array experiment (InPTA), which I led for 10 years. I served as chair of International Pulsar Timing Array consortium (IPTA) in 2022. I am currently serving as the co-chair of SKA pulsar science working group. Although I superannuated in 2022, I hold a chair professorship currently and continue to be active in research.

I wish to use my experience to help the Division and its commissions facilitate new facilities across wavebands and messengers and increase co-operation and coordination across the current facilities to maximise science and astronomy outcomes. I can help in facilitating innovative approaches and formulate forward looking policies, particularly in this era of large astronomical facilities, which take a long time to commission and mature as astronomy instruments.

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First Name: Thomas

Middle Name: Anne

Last Name: Oosterloo

Email: oosterloo@astron.nl

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Netherlands

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Served two terms in the Organizing Committee of Commission B4 (Radio Astronomy)

Motivation:

Modern day astronomy is increasingly based on very large catalogues and large databases of images and spectral data, and this will be even more the case in the near future with the advent of several large survey instruments covering a large set of wavebands. This will more and more give the opportunity of doing multi-wave astronomy over very large regions of the sky. The potential of this is enormous, in particular if the different communities from the different wavebands talk to each other so that the richness of the various datasets can be exploited in synergy. The IAU, through Division B, can play an important role in stimulating such dialogs. My background is in both radio and optical astronomy and and have participated, and am participating, in several large radio surveys (Parkes, Westerbork, MeerKat) and plan to also do so in the future with the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and hope to bring this expertise into the Steering Committee of Division B.

I have served two terms in the Organising Committee of Commission B4 (Radio Astronomy)

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First Name: Flora

Last Name: Paganelli

Email: paganelliflora@gmail.com

Secondary Email: paganelliflora@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Dr. Paganelli is a very active Member of the IAU Inter-Division A-F WG Cartographic Coordinates & Rotational Elements (WGCCRE) [2018-present] and joined as Organizing Committee Member the IAU Commission F4 on Asteroids, Comets & Transneptunian Objects in 2021. She is also a Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy, Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science, Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology. She is actively involved in the Planetary and Astronomy Science community through service in Research & Analysis (R&A) and Research & Development (R&D) of NASA and NSF programs.

Motivation:

I would like to express interest for the position of SC in the IAU Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science to increase my experience in support of the Division through a role with higher responsibility. I've been an active member for the past 4 years and with my position at SETI, allowing flexibility in research topics and activities, I believe I can positively contribute to the SC role to promote cross-disciplinary work/activities in support of Facilities, Technologies and Data Science. I have matureated experience in instrument and facilities development at NRAO with state of the art-technologies. As member of NASA Planetary Data System (PDS) Roadmap Study Team (RST) [2016-2017] I contributed to "The NASA Planetary Data System Roadmap Study 2017-2026" report, and as a member of the NASA Planetary Data Ecosystem Independent Review Board (PDEIRB) [2020-2021] I contributed to the submitted report [2021].
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Flora Paganelli

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First Name: Mamta

Last Name: Pommier

Email: mamtapommier@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Motivation:

My background as a Radio Astronomer, Chair of the Women in Astronomy Working Group, and Steering Committee Member of Division B has equipped me with the requisite experience and skills to serve as a Steering Committee member of Division B effectively.

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First Name: Solohery

Middle Name: M.

Last Name: Randriamampandry

Email: soloherymampionona@gmail.com

Secondary Email: solohery@saao.ac.za

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Madagascar

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

Greetings, I want to join the division to participate in its activities and contribute to its development. Best regards.

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First Name: Constance

Middle Name: Elaine

Last Name: Walker

Email: connie.walker@noirlab.edu

Secondary Email: connie.walker@iau.cps.org

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Motivation:

The short answer is to serve for the greater good of Division B and the IAU. The experiences I have had in the positions listed above point the next step to be requesting candidacy as a Steering Committee member for Division B. Having worked in the aerospace engineering world as an electrical engineer and working over 20 years at a national optical astronomy observatory with the last few years in a leadership role, I have experience in the technology and operations side of running an observatory. I have kept abreast of new developments and challenges that are at the cutting edge of our field, with Rubin Observatory and the US-ELT as examples of future large-scale facilities. Some of those new challenges include the impact of satellite constellations. My role as co-chair of the IAU CPS is keeping me on top of those issues and solutions. My role as head of the NOIRLab Office of Observatory Site Protection keeps me on top of the light pollution issues and solutions at observatories and surrounding communities. I look forward to the prospect of being a candidate for Division B Steering Committee member in hope to serve Division B and IAU as a whole.

Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Alain

Last Name: Doressoundiram

Email: alain.doressoundiram@obspm.fr

Gender: Male

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

senior astronomer at Paris Observatory
member of the IAU since 2009
So specific commitment but attending almost all the GA

Motivation:

I am a planetary scientist and lecturer at the university, and I propose to contribute to this Division with my experience on that field. I'm very much involved in and excited by formal and informal education activities.
As a couple exemples of my experience, I have been for about 20 years responsible of a very successful program at Paris Observatory : mentorship between astronomers and classrooms. https://ufe.obspm.fr/formations/formation-des-professeurs/parrainages/. I am the head of one master and was also responsible for the doctorate at Paris Observatory during the last 5 years.
I have led many teacher’s training programs at Paris Observatory and french schools abroad. I am author of several popularization books on astronomy, jury member of science prizes, and member of the French national committee of Earth Science Olympiads. Asteroid 7456 Doressoundiram has been named in my honor. French academic medal for achievements in teaching activities.

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First Name: Amelia

Last Name: Ortiz Gil

Email: amelia.ortiz@uv.es

Secondary Email: ameliaortizgil@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Spain

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

1. Co-chair (2015-1018) of Division C Working group on Astronomy for Equity and Inclusion, that later was elevated as an IAU Executive Committee Working Group.
2. Chair of the Working group on Astronomy for Equity and Inclusion (2018-2021).
3. Currently an active member of the subWG on Inclusive Outreach.
4. Member of the OC for Commission C1 on Education and Development (2021-2024)
5. OAO's NOC for Spain (2018-2021)
6. Member of NOC-Spain team (2021-2024).
7. Regular collaborations with the OAO and the OAD since these Offices were created.

Motivation:

I have a keen interest in promoting Education, Outreach and Heritage and IAU Division C is capable of having a global impact on these topics. I have devoted my career to Outreach with focus on Inclusion and Accessibility, but I am also involved in education programs at my institution and at national level. At the Spanish Astronomical Society I am involved with the Education Commission, and the Astronomy and Culture Commission. I would like for Division C to reach further out, involving more interdisciplinary agents (teachers, experts on education, science outreach experts, art performers, art experts, archaeologists, etc.). Astronomy should be present in the school curriculum and that is an important goal, but teachers need to be properly trained or be able to find support so Division C programs like GTTP or NASE, or the OAE are very relevant to this end. Outreach can be done in a myriad of ways and with the new generations growing up we need to be very creative, implementing the new technologies available (IA, VR, AR, etc.) without forgetting about the classic ones (star parties, lectures) catering for diverse publics in an inclusive way. Art, archeology, artistic performances, visiting UNESCO heritage astronomical sites, etc. have an impact also on publics that may not be interested a priori on astronomy.

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First Name: Mirjana

Last Name: Povic

Email: mpovic@iaa.es

Secondary Email: mirjanap@essti.gov.et

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Ethiopia

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

My main experience at the IAU is related to my active participation as:
- the current secretary of Division C focused on Education, Outreach and Heritage,
- former member of the Division C Steering Committee (from 2018 to 2021),
- current member of the IAU Special Nomination Committee,
- member of the review committee of the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), and close collaborator since the creation of the OAD,
- activities carried out in the framework of the former Network for Astronomy School Education (NASE) working group (WG), now part of the Div C WG Key Initiatives in Education, Outreach, and Development,
- and as a member of other divisions, commissions and WGs.

In the past, I also worked closely with IAU in organising two symposia in Ethiopia, IAUS 356 as chair and IAUS 386 as co-chair. These were the third and fourth IAU symposia organised in Africa in the last 100 years.

In addition, I have been actively involved in the organisation of the next GA in South Africa, as a SOC member of 4 different sessions, and as a part of different reviewing panels.

I am very familiar with the structure and functioning of the IAU, as well as its main objectives, values and principles. It is an absolute pleasure to serve the IAU and our society in achieving the goals that the IAU stands for and to make our world a better place through astronomy.

Motivation:

I have been working with Division C since 2018, first as a member of the steering committee and then as its secretary. It has been a wonderful journey that allowed me to get to know and understand better the structure, functioning and activities of all Division C working groups, commissions, inter-commissions, and the functioning of Division C itself. Above all, it was a journey that taught me the importance of Division C and its particular focus on education, outreach and heritage in shaping the values of the IAU and our astronomical community. Moreover, the scope of Division C fully coincides with my other activities and my full commitment to education and outreach, particularly in Africa, where I have been working and collaborating with different countries and continental initiatives for more than 15 years. This includes my active participation in the African Astronomical Society, the foundation and coordination of the African Network of Women in Astronomy, close collaborations with the Office of Astronomy for Development and in particular its East Africa Regional Office, among others. I am motivated and committed to building more bridges between different initiatives focused on education, outreach, and heritage, and to support existing and new initiatives within the Division C and the IAU framework. I deeply believe that through education and science, with astronomy playing a key role, we can fight poverty in the long term and make our world a better place for all, regardless of where our roots are. Our volunteer service through Division C and the IAU can help us achieve this in the long term, and is part of my main motivation for applying for the Division C Vice-President position.

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First Name: Priya

Middle Name: (Hasan)

Last Name: Shah

Email: priya.hasan@gmail.com

Secondary Email: priyashasan@yahoo.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Co-Chair of IAU-WG Women in Astronomy
Part of Organising Commitee of Commision H1

Motivation:

Have been actively involved in Education and Outreach Activities both in India and abroad at online and offline levels. Would like to initiate various activities in the Commision to couple with the ongoing work.

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First Name: Eleni

Last Name: Vardoulaki

Email: elenivard@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Germany

Position: Division Vice-President

Motivation:

I am thrilled to apply for the position of Vice-President of the 'Outreach, Education and Heritage' division of the IAU. My passion for astrophysics extends beyond research, driving a deep commitment to fostering public engagement and education in the field. Since 2005, and throughout my career, I have actively participated in numerous international outreach initiatives in the UK, Germany, Greece, the USA, and online. I founded outreach hubs in Germany (Astronomy on Tap Bonn) and online (Rogue Astrophysics; Astronomy on Tap Jena; elenivardoulaki.com), and I am a published author (The Universe in Your Pocket, Keybooks, in Greek). I communicate science to diverse audiences through written (articles, social media) and oral methods (events, talks, videos, interviews), as well as art. As a scientist with a long career path, I bring extensive experience in scientific education and training scientists in public outreach methods. I am the co-lead of the citizen science project Radio Galaxy Zoo EMU, recommended by OAD, and the outreach co-lead for the COSMOS collaboration. Joining the IAU in a leadership role aligns with my aspiration to contribute significantly to global efforts in promoting an understanding of astronomy and creating connections between society, science, and heritage.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Megan

Last Name: Argo

Email: megan.argo@gmail.com

Secondary Email: margo@uclan.ac.uk

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United Kingdom

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission C2 Communicating Astronomy with the Public (2018-2021)
Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission C2 Communicating Astronomy with the Public (2015-2018)

Motivation:

Having previously served on the OC for Commission C2 (2015-2021), I am keen to become more involved with the Division's work. My professional experience spans the breadth of Division C. In my role as Senior Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire I teach undergraduate students on both the on-campus and distance learning astronomy programmes and currently serve as the Course Leader of the BSc Astronomy by Distance Learning programme. I have served on the Office of Astronomy for Development's funding panel since 2015, am a member of Inter-Commission C1-C2-C3-C4 WG Astronomy in Culture (WGAC) and part of the IAU/RAS/AAS Working Group on Culturally Sensitive Sites, and have worked with Indigenous communities in Australia's Murchison region. I have more than 20 years of public engagement experience across many contexts and currently serve on the Advisory Panel for Public Engagement to the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council, part of UKRI. I have previously served as Councillor and Vice President of the Royal Astronomical Society (2017-2022), and was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for my public engagement work delivering online planetarium shows to more than 1400 girls during the pandemic.

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First Name: Chenzhou

Last Name: CUI

Email: ccz@nao.cas.cn

Secondary Email: cb@lamost.org

Gender: Male

Country of Work: China, Nanjing

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I am an active member of the IAU. My IAU experience including:

Past affiliation(s) within the IAU include:

Past Vice-President of Commission B2 Data and Documentation (2018-2021);
Past Chair of Commission B2-C1-C2 WG Data Driven Astronomy Education and Public Outreach (DAEPO) (2017-2021);
Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission B2 Data and Documentation (2018-2021);

I am also the past chair of International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA) and IVOA Education Interest Group.

Motivation:

Astronomical data is not only an essential element for scientific research, but also a valuable resource for education and outreach. I am committed to the research in Virtual Observatory and AstroInformatics as well as in astronomical education and public outreach. I am the founding chair of IAU inter-commission working group “Data-driven Astronomy Education and Public Outreach (DAEPO)”. I initiated the collaboration between International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA) and IAU OAD, and facilitated the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties. I initiated the IVOA Education Interest Group, the WorldWide Telescope (WWT) Community in China and the first International WWT Tour Contest (jointly hosted by IVOA, IAU OAD, AAS and CAS), the first astronomical Citizen Science “Popular Supernova Project (PSP)” in China with more than 170 new discoveries, etc. ScienceNet.cn reported me as an "Unusual Science Geek on the Internet". Furthermore, being a passionate and dedicated person for academic communities, I am active member and/or leader in domestic groups as well as in international communities.

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First Name: Dr. Moncef

Last Name: Derouich

Email: derouichmoncef@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Tunisia

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

I am writing to express my strong interest in candidating for a position in the Division Steering Committees (SCs) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

I received both my Master, PhD and a Habilitation in Astrophysics from Paris Diderot University and Paris-Meudon Observatory (France). I have then been hired as a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (Spain) and, then, at the Institute of Spatial Astrophysics in Orsay-Paris.
In 2009, have joined the NorthWest Research Associates, Inc. (Colorado-Boulder, USA) as Research Scientist until 2012. Between 2012 and 2015, I returned to my home country as Associate Professor in the University of Sousse in Tunisia. Then, in 2015, I received an offer from to build a research group, to supervise Master and PhD students and to teach Astronomy and Astrophysics in the King Abdulaziz University where I am working until now (https://astr.kau.edu.sa/Pages-AstronomyStaff-EN.aspx).

My passion for Education, Outreach, and Heritage is evident through my role as president of the bachelor astronomy program at my current institute. Furthermore, I have actively engaged in outreach activities, such as building an astronomy club and conducting public observations in Tunisia. I authored a comprehensive course, which has been published on the Virtual University of Tunisia's platform (http://rel.uvt.rnu.tn/course/index.php?categoryid=117&lang=en). Moreover, in France, during my work at the Meudon Observatory, I played a crucial role in teaching astronomy to primary and secondary school teachers, enabling them to impart astronomical knowledge to their students. For instance, I authored a laboratory experiment now accessible on the Paris-Meudon Observatory website: https://media4.obspm.fr/public/ressources_lu/pages_tp-spectre-soleil/index.html.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in various countries, which has provided me with a diverse cultural background.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Sincerely,
Moncef Derouich

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First Name: Alain

Last Name: Doressoundiram

Email: alain.doressoundiram@obspm.fr

Gender: Male

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

senior astronomer at Paris Observatory
member of the IAU since 2009
So specific commitment but attending almost all the GA

Motivation:

I am a planetary scientist and lecturer at the university, and I propose to contribute to this Commission with my experience on that field. I'm very much involved in and excited by public outreach activities: Exoplanets and Solar System related topics generate a great interest to the public, in particular thanks to space missions that allow us to show amazing images of other worlds that can be easily explained, and this Commission can propagate this motivation to communicate with the public who is always so grateful that we share our knowledge and dreams.
As a couple exemples of my outreach experience, I have been for about 20 years responsible of a very successful program at Paris Observatory : mentorship between astronomers and classrooms. https://ufe.obspm.fr/formations/formation-des-professeurs/parrainages/. I have led many outreach programs during astronomical events like eclipse, Mercury transit, and French national event « la fête de la science ». I am author of several popularization books on astronomy, jury member of science prizes, and member of the French national committee of Earth Science Olympiads. Asteroid 7456 Doressoundiram has been named in my honor. French academic medal for achievements in teaching activities.

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First Name: Giangiacomo

Last Name: Gandolfi

Email: giangiacomo.gandolfi@inaf.it

Secondary Email: giangiacomo.gandolfi@gmail.com

Gender: Male+

Country of Work: Italy

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

As a former science communicator in the Rome Planetarium and now curator of the Museo Astronomico e Copernicano of INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma and as an active researcher in historical disciplines, I would like to help IAU growing in the field of Cultural Astronomy and in preserving the world Astronomical Heritage. My intention is to especially promote interdisciplinarity, generating a new awareness of the widespread influence of the sky and of cosmic perspectives in Western culture. Furthermore, I would like to build new alliances in my national territory and abroad in order to increase academic cultural studies related to Astronomy, giving value in the process to the incredible scientific and artistic heritage treasures, both tangible and intangible, preserved in Europe.

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First Name: Livia

Last Name: Giacomini

Email: livia.giacomini@inaf.it

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Italy

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

- officer and active member of OAE Center Italy since its foundation
- Editor in chief of AstroEDU, OAE online platform for peer-reviewed educational activities since April 2022
- I collaborated actively with OAE on educational projects such as the Astrophotography Contest
- I am part of the LOC of the Italian team that will organize IAU GA in Rome in 2027

Motivation:

I am a science journalist with a background in astrophysics working fulltime for the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome. In the recent years I contributed to the birth of the OAE Center Italy and focused on coordinating AstroEDU, appreciating these great projects and the lively community behind them. I share IAU vision, Astronomy for a better world, and I would really like to contribute more to this international community, collaborating on fields such as outreach and communication, but also heritage (a very important topic in my country). I firmly believe in the power of engaging people and I think that these aspects are fundamental to improve how society sees Science and Research. Last but not least, I am aware that any great idea must include a practical organization that guarantees its effectiveness and sustainability to make it become a project and I am ready to collaborate in this effort.

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First Name: Alejandro

Middle Name: Martín

Last Name: Lopez

Email: astroamlopez@hotmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Argentina

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

• Member since 2012 of Division C of UAI.
• Chair of Commission C4 WG Astronomical Heritage in Danger
• Chair of the the joint committee for Culturally Sensitive Sites (CSS) of the IAU, the RAS and the AAS.
• Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
• Member of Commission C3 History of Astronomy
• Member of Commission C4 World Heritage and Astronomy
• Member of Commission C4 WG Astronomical Heritage in Danger
• Member of Inter-Commission C1-C2-C3-C4 WG Astronomy in Culture (WGAC)
• Member of Inter-Commission C1-C3-C4 WG Ethnoastronomy and Intangible Astronomical Heritage
• Member of Division C WG Star Names

Motivation:

My name is Alejandro Martín López, from Argentina. I am an astronomer graduated from the National University of La Plata and Phd in Anthropology from the University of Buenos Aires. Also, I am a researcher of CONICET, specialized on topics related to cultural astronomy, ethnoastronomy and ethnomatemathics of Aboriginal, Creole and European people in the Argentinean Chaco. I have been working in this field from 1998. I have more than twenty years of experience in the formal educational system, from elementary to postgraduate level.I was President of the Intereamerican Society of Astronomy in Culture (SIAC) 2013-2021, the Latin-American professional association of researchers in Cultural Astronomy.
I think it is very important to strengthen and professionalize the relationship between the professional astronomical community and the entire world society. For this, cultural astronomy is very important and can collaborate in a more fruitful dialogue with the public and decision makers. I intend to put my experience in this interdisciplinary field to collaborate with the objectives of the IAU and the C division.

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First Name: Areg

Middle Name: M.

Last Name: Mickaelian

Email: aregmick@yahoo.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Armenia

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Membership of IAU, Divisions, Commissions, WGs: 1997 – IAU member (Commission 29 Stellar Spectra); 2000-2015 – A number of other IAU Commissions and WG; Member of Divisions B, C, G and J; Commissions B2, B3, C4, D-G-H-J Commission, C1-C2-C3-C4 WG, B2 WG, Division B WG Virtual Observatory

IAU-related positions: 2000-2024 – Armenian representative in IAU Membership, Finance and Resolutions committees, President of NCA in Armenia, 2009-2010 – Armenian Chair of the UNESCO-IAU IYA and Beyond-IYA, 2015-present – Director of IAU SWCA ROAD, 2018-present – Organizing Committee Member of IAU C4 World Heritage and Astronomy, 2018-present – EC Member WG Global Coordination of Ground and Space Astrophysics

Organization of IAU meetings/schools: 1998-2023: IAU S194, C184, ISYA-32, S304, S365, Regional Astron. Workshops (RAW), Regional Astron. Summer Schools (RASS)

Participation in IAU meetings: IAU GA XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX, XXX, XXXI (all GAs during 2000-2022), IAU Symposia ## 137, 165, 194, 204, 205, 216, 235, 238, 267, 284, 285, 290, 292, 295, 304, 319, 325, 330, 348, 349, 367, 368, 369, 371, 365, 386 (1989-2023), IAU Colloquium # 184 (2001), IAU General Assemblies many JD, SS, FM and Division Meetings, OAD Session (2000-2022), CAP Conferences, ISYA32 (as Lecturer), IAU OAD/ROADs Workshops, MEARIMs

Motivation:

I have been heavily involved in many activities and would like to continue and contribute.
 Astronomical Heritage: Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) as IAU Outstanding Astronomical Heritage (OAH, 2021), organization of meetings, publications
 Archaeoastronomy & Astronomy in Culture (AAC): Creation of ArAS webpage on Armenian Archaeoastronomy, organization of meetings, publications
 Astronomy Educational: ArAS webpage on Astronomy Education in Armenia, 18 various projects related to Astronomical Education (Byurakan International Summer Schools (BISS), Regional Astronomical Summer Schools (RASS), Byurakan Science Camps (BSC), ArAS School Lectures, GTTP, NASE courses for teachers, Astronomical Olympiads, etc.), work with IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE)
 Public Outreach: organization of many public events, work with IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO)
 Astronomy for Development: Director of IAU South West and Central Asian (SWCA) ROAD, organization of many meetings and events

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First Name: Giovanna

Last Name: Pugliese

Email: pugliese@astroduo.org

Secondary Email: G.Pugliese@uva.nl

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Netherlands

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I have been a member of the Working Group for Professional-Amateur relations since 2021.
I am also one of the reviewers of the OAE English Glossary.

Motivation:

I am a a professional astronomer who, during the last 24 years, has been regularly involved in outreach activities, also giving talks in public events at the university, in schools and in private companies working in technology and space sectors.
Now that my kids are older, I got more time available and I would like to spend some of it taking a more active part in the IAU supporting and promoting our research and discoveries with the public in an effective and engaging manner.
I have a master in "teaching physics" taken in 2019 and through this qualification I learned some efficient tools to communicate science to different audiences, and I am eager to put my experience at the service of our astronomical community. We astronomers have already established a unique communication channel with a vast majority of the public, so in our fast evolving society in which the use of AI is becoming more and more common, it is very important for each of us to continue interacting with the public using an easily understandable language in which science and facts are clearly explained and described.

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First Name: Michael

Middle Name: J

Last Name: Rutkowski

Email: michael.rutkowski@mnsu.edu

Secondary Email: mjrutkowski.personal@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I have been a junior and full member for ~10 years. During that time I've been able to attend multiple IAU conferences (Beijing CHN; Busan KOR) and through those meetings have been engage with multiple groups within the Division C area. In addition, I've served as a grant reviewer for OAD grants within Nigeria and Pakistan.

Motivation:

Through my efforts as the Chair of the American Astro. Soc. Environmental Ctte. and as a faculty member in the US on lands traditionally inhabited by the Lakota peoples, I've come to understand the potential to expand citizen engagement and appreciation for astronomy via astronomical heritage and dark sky sites. Such activity helps to support the cultural preservation and engagement that defines part of the mission of Division C. Serving on the SC, I would like to engage the IAU in developing and enhancing, across the member countries, a network of astronomers in host countries of such sites and individuals associated with education, indigenous efforts, and tourism generally to promote travel and preservation of these sites.

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First Name: Vicki

Last Name: Sarajedini

Email: vsarajedini@fau.edu

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I served as a member of Commission C1 WG Network for Astronomy School Education (NASE) and enjoyed participating in and organizing activities that brought the excitement of astronomy to school age students around the world.

Motivation:

My primary motivation is to serve more broadly in the education endeavors of the IAU. For most of my 25 year career, I have been deeply involved in outreach activities to local schools, organizations, and the general public. In particular, I would be interested in helping to organize and select the various symposia and meetings related to astronomy education and outreach for the IAU.

Division D High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Teruaki

Last Name: ENOTO

Email: enoto.teruaki.2w@kyoto-u.ac.jp

Secondary Email: teruaki.enoto@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Japan

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

N/A

Motivation:

My role and contribution to the high-energy astronomical community is to uphold and advance its rich legacy while fostering greater inclusivity and collaboration as we approach the 2030s.

(1) Embracing Regional Diversity: A number of recent Division D Presidents have come from Europe and the U.S. As a candidate from Japan, I'm committed to broadening the scope of Division D activities to encompass local communities worldwide (e.g., bridging the eastern and western communities), working with collaborators and friends from China, India, Taiwan, Korea, and other countries, and using my research experience at Stanford University and NASA/GSFC.

(2) Nurturing Young Talent via Large and Small Projects: Balancing large-scale missions with smaller projects is vital for cultivating the next generation of researchers. Having participated in both medium-to-large missions like Suzaku, Astro-H (Hitomi), NICER, and XRISM, as well as smaller university-level CubeSat projects like NinjaSat (successfully launched in 2023), I understand the importance of diverse project sizes. While large-scale programs often face delays due to budget constraints, it is essential to encourage (young) researcher circuits and collaborations among projects of varying scales to uphold the community heritage toward the 2030s. Further, I would also make a stronger connection between space- and ground-based (e.g., SKA, VLT) observatories.

(3) Outreach (e.g., Citizen Science): Public support and understanding are crucial given the substantial budget involved in high-energy astrophysics. Based on my experience in applying space radiation measurement techniques to observe radiation from thunderclouds and lightning on the ground via our Citizen Science "Thundercloud Project," I am also interested in the potential of outreach via, for example, Citizen Science in space science as the next generation of scientific research when collaborating with other IAU outreach Divisions.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Sara

Last Name: Buson

Email: sara.buson@uni-wuerzburg.de

Secondary Email: sara.buson@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Germany

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a prestigious organization in the field of astronomy that plays a significant role in shaping the future of the discipline. I wish to offer my experience and expertise to support the advancement of the astronomy field in all its aspects. This includes promoting international collaboration and cooperation, advocating for equal opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas among astronomers around the world.

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First Name: Federico

Last Name: Ferrini

Email: federico.ferrini@cta-observatory.org

Secondary Email: federico.ferrini@ego-gw.it

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Italy

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Active Member since 1982

• Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science
• Member of Division D High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics
• Member of Division H Interstellar Matter and Local Universe
• Member of Division J Galaxies and Cosmology
• Member of Commission D1 Gravitational Wave Astrophysics

• Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission D1 Gravitational Wave Astrophysics (2015-2018)

Motivation:

After my PhD (1975) I started my academic career at the University of Pisa; my research covered various topics of theoretical astrophysics: formation of planetary systems and stars, stellar mass function, interstellar medium, evolution of galaxies and star formation, explosive phenomena, gravitational waves and cosmology.
From January 2011 till December 2017, I was Director of the European Gravitational Observatory, EGO, where the Virgo interferometer is located. During my direction, Advanced Virgo has been built, contributing with LIGO to the first detections of gravitational waves. On August 2017 the joint detection of the collapse of a binary Neutron Stars system initiated the multi-messenger Astronomy, thanks to the numerous agreements that the Director of LIGO and I promoted jointly with more than 70 Astronomical facilities.
Since March 2018 I was appointed Director of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, CTAO, that I will guide preparing the construction of the gamma-ray observatory in La Palma and Chile till end 2024.
I believe that I may now contribute, thanks to the unique experience gained covering relevant positions on both GW and gamma-ray, to the organisation and promotion of the High Energy Astrophysics within IAU.

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First Name: Konstantinos

Middle Name: N.

Last Name: Gourgouliatos

Email: kngourg@upatras.gr

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Greece

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

My research primarily centers on neutron stars and relativistic astrophysical jets, investigating these captivating phenomena through theory and numerical simulations. I strongly advocate for collaboration both within our community and beyond, aiming to adopt a multi-messenger and multidisciplinary approach. This approach allows us to explore the diverse processes of High Energy Phenomena and their implications for Fundamental Physics from various perspectives.

Having lived, studied, and worked in several countries worldwide, I have accumulated a wide network of contacts and diverse expertise. These experiences equip me to effectively contribute as a member of the steering committee of Division D on High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics within the International Astronomical Union.

If elected, I am dedicated to serving, supporting, and fostering the excellence and advancement of the field, with a particular emphasis on early career scientists within the broader Astronomical Community.

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First Name: Andrew

Last Name: Melatos

Email: amelatos@unimelb.edu.au

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Australia

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Member

Motivation:

I will work to strengthen the interaction between the gravitational wave (GW) and high-energy astrophysics (HEA) communities. As a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) since 2007, involved in both theoretical modeling and data analysis, I am familiar with the exciting potential of multi-messenger astronomy. I will work to facilitate collaborative scientific and capacity-building activities between the GW and HEA communities, e.g. joint IAU symposia, and networks to bring together theorists and observers. I will also be a strong voice on graduate student issues through the relevant IAU channels and will explore opportunities for the Division to pilot new mentoring and diversity initiatives. My service record includes chairing the Texas Symposium International Steering Committee (2006-08) and establishing its current governance structure. I have also served on several LSC committees and was a member of the National Committee of Astronomy of the Australian Academy of Sciences (2004-07), which authored the 2006-15 Decadal Plan of Australian Astronomy.

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First Name: Julia

Last Name: Tjus

Email: julia.tjus@rub.de

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Germany

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

With this letter, I candidate for a steering committee member in Division D. My scientific background lies in the field of astroparticle physics. I took my PhD in 2007, focussing on bridging observational and theoretical neutrino astronomy from a multimessenger perspective. I have early on been fascinated by the high-energy Universe, and the question of the origin of the highest-energy particles and how they are accelerated has driven my research ever since. In recent years, since I became a faculty member at Ruhr University Bochum in 2009, I have also started to work on the interplay between cosmic rays and magnetic fields. With this background, I see my expertise as central to Division D of the IAU and would be honored to contribute to shaping the division as a steering committee member.

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First Name: Christo

Last Name: Venter

Email: Christo.Venter@nwu.ac.za

Secondary Email: christo.venter7@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: South Africa

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Chaired the South Africa National Committee of the IAU (IAU-SANC) in 2017-2018.

Motivation:

I am a professor in Astrophysics at the Centre for Space Research, North-West University, South Africa. We are blessed with beautiful dark skies and exceptional regional facilities (H.E.S.S., SALT, MeerKAT). The IAU GA will be held in South Africa in August this year (a first for Africa!).

I am involved in multi-wavelength studies of pulsar-related systems, including isolated and spider binary pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, the millisecond pulsar population in globular clusters. My focus is on modelling and providing theoretical guidance for Collaborations such as H.E.S.S., Fermi LAT, CTA, and MeerKAT, of which I am a member. I have been awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF) B1-rating, indicating international acclaim for my work (30 peer-reviewed papers and more than 200 collaboration papers) over the past two decades.

I am quite involved in the local Astronomy community, having served on several local committees and currently being vice-chair of the African Pulsar Timing (APT) committee that coordinates local pulsar timing activities in South Africa. I am passionate about teaching, student supervision, using Astronomy as a tool for development, and pushing research boundaries, and I hope to be of service to the astronomical community, should I be elected to this position.

Division E Sun and Heliosphere

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Gianna

Last Name: Cauzzi

Email: gcauzzi@NSO.edu

Secondary Email: gcauzzi@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

IAU Member since 1997
Vice President (2009-2012); President (2012-2015), and Advisor of Commission 12 (later Commission E1), "Solar structure and Radiation"
Secretary of Division E, "Sun and Heliosphere", 2012-2015
Main organizer of Special Session 6, "Science with Large Solar Telescopes", IAU GA 2012 (Beijing)
Main Organizer, IAUS 372, "The Era of Multi-messenger Solar Physics", IAU GA 2022 (Busan)"
SOC, IAUS 390 "A multi-point view of the Sun", IAU GA 2024 (Cape Town)

Motivation:

During my long involvement with IAU, including serving as President of Commission E1 and Secretary for Division E, it has been inspiring to witness its continuous growth as a force for astronomy awareness, international cooperation, and support of diverse, young scientists. These activities have an enormous relevance especially for smaller and less privileged countries striving to develop first-class astrophysics research programs.

If elected as Vice President, I look forward to working with the new Steering Committee to consolidate a strong presence for Division E within the larger astronomical community and the IAU. Solar and Heliospheric Physics is a keystone for a range of astronomical subjects (from active stars to exoplanets’ atmosphere to plasma physics), and I think that we can obtain large benefits by strengthening interdisciplinary discussions within the framework of IAU scientific endeavors. I also want to ensure strong IAU support for forums and opportunities for young researchers, where they can introduce themselves and form strong professional ties. Finally, I believe that Division E has a natural role in the IAU outreach efforts, by leveraging the direct effects of the Sun on our everyday life to engage young students and the broader public.

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First Name: Shravan

Middle Name: M

Last Name: Hanasoge

Email: hanasoge@tifr.res.in

Secondary Email: hanasoge@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Organizing Committee member E2, 2021 - present

Motivation:

I look forward to bringing my expertise in astrophysics and scientific communities to the Vice Presidency of the International Astronomical Union's Division E. I am passionate about fostering international collaboration, supporting the development of early-career astronomers, and advocating for inclusive and diverse research environments. My vision includes enhancing global participation in astronomy, championing educational outreach, and facilitating cutting-edge research. With my track record in mentorship and scientific contribution, I will strive like to drive Division E toward a future where astronomical discovery and community engagement are deeply interconnected..

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Paul

Middle Name: S.

Last Name: Cally

Email: paul.cally@monash.edu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Australia

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Previous Vice-President, President and Advisor on Commission E2, Solar Activity

Motivation:

I have a long history of service in Division E, particularly Commission E2, and also bring representation from Oceania that is currently lacking. The Divisions are the backbone of the IAU, and it is pleasing to see Sun and Heliosphere taking its rightful prominent place amongst them. As someone who has worked in solar physics for many years with great researchers from many countries, I therefore feel I should offer my services to the Division if members think I can contribute.

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First Name: Peng-Fei

Last Name: CHEN

Email: chenpf@nju.edu.cn

Secondary Email: chenppf@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: China, Nanjing

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Steering Committee Member of Division E Sun and Heliosphere (2012-2015)

Motivation:

Although solar physics and heliophysics are not at the foremost frontiers of astronomy in the modern era, they are still vital to the whole discipline of astronomy as the solar system works as the most unique place where life survives and thrives. Solar physics and heliophysics provide the foundation for us to understand various processes in the whole universe with high-resolution observations and in-situ measurements. In the past decades, many solar and heliospheric satellites have been launched by various countries. After joining the committee, I hope to co-organize more conferences and multi-lateral forums to coordinate all these efforts, including data sharing and global division and collaboration. I also hope to cooperate with committee members to reshape the solar and heliospheric community to a state with more efforts focused on interesting topics rather than entangling trivial issues. Besides, with the platform of the steering committee, I hope to organize more summer schools on solar physics in order to train younger generations.

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First Name: Debi Prasad

Last Name: Choudhary

Email: debiprasad.choudhary@csun.edu

Secondary Email: dchoudhary60@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I organized the IAU Symposium 273 on "Physics of Sun and Star Spots" in Los Angeles.

Motivation:

I have been working in the field of observational Solar Astronomy for more than past 30 years. I have used Dunn Solar Telescope, German VTT and Gregor telescope to obtain spectropolarimetric data for my research. I have served in the User Committee of National Solar Observatory of USA for about 15 years. I also organized the IAU Symposium 273 on "Physics of Sun and Star Spots" in Los Angeles. Currently, I am serving as chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Associate Director of San Fernando Observatory of California State University Northridge. My Motivation for the candidacy is to foster more activity for solar-stellar research by bringing together astronomers from both fields. Also, I would like to engage US solar astronomers in international collaboration.

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First Name: María

Middle Name: Hebe

Last Name: Cremades Fernandez

Email: hebe.cremades@um.edu.ar

Secondary Email: hebe.cremades@frm.utn.edu.ar

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Argentina

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

-IAU member, Division E since 2012.
-Member of the National Committee for Astronomy of my country (Argentina, 2018-2024).
-Steering committee member of the Asociación Argentina de Astronomía, Argentina's National Member Organization, during 2018-2020 and 2021-2023.
-SOC co-chair of IAU Symposium 286 (2011)
-SOC member IAU Symposium 388 (2024)
-SOC member IAU Symposium 390 (2024)
-SOC member of the IAU GA - Joint Discussion JD16 (2009)
-SOC member of the “Comparative Solar Minima” IAU Working Group of Division II (2009-2012).
-Participant of several IAU Symposia.

Motivation:

Throughout my research career, I have been in close contact with IAU's activities and mission. I was SOC co-chair and key LOC member of an IAU Symposium that took place in my hometown in 2011. This provided me with significant knowledge about the procedures and structure of the IAU. I have also participated in the organization of other IAU scientific meetings. In the past years, by serving as a member of Argentina's NCA and National Member (Asociación Argentina de Astronomía) steering committee, I gained experience in other related aspects. I have compiled statistics, helped to keep up to date the Individual and Junior Members list from my country, and participated in the procedure of calling and reviewing new membership applications, among other activities in connection with our Astronomy Association. I believe that I can provide some valuable input to the Division, particularly because there is no other Steering Committee member from South America, except for the outgoing Division President.

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First Name: Manolis

Middle Name: K.

Last Name: Georgoulis

Email: manolis.georgoulis@jhuapl.edu

Secondary Email: manolis.georgoulis@academyofathens.gr

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

-- Member since 2012
-- 2018 - 2021: Vice President, Commission E.2 (Solar Activity)
-- 2021 - 2024: President, Commission E2 (Solar Activity)

Motivation:

The IAU is the prime, emblematic Union of professional astronomers and astrophysicists worldwide. Having served in office positions of Commission E.2 for two terms, I fully realize how vital it is to defend and maintain this unique and global role IAU has to play: from recognizing students who have undertaken and defended exemplary Theses and who otherwise might be unknown to the community, particularly in case they come from under-privileged parts of the world, to supporting and promoting global cooperation via scientific gatherings in equally under-represented places that strive for an opportunity. I aspire to help these voices become loud and clear, as well as help to solidify the integral role Heliophysics has to play within the IAU. If elected, I am entirely committed to working with the Steering Committee and the Division E Chair toward common goals and synergies that further enhance the Division’s contributions.

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First Name: Jiajia

Last Name: Liu

Email: ljj128@ustc.edu.cn

Gender: Male

Country of Work: China, Nanjing

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

1. IAU member since 2020
2. Reviewer for the Office for Astronomy Development from 21

Motivation:

I am a full professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, working in solar physics and space plasma. My motivations and strengths are: 1) I have rich experiences in serving the broad international community as a reviewer for the OAD, vice chair for the European Space Weather Associate medal committee, and former member of the Royal Society UK Solar Physics Council. 2) Having studied and worked in Asia, America, and Europe, I have strong connections worldwide, which will benefit my role as a SC member. 3) I have more than 50 publications with more than 1000 citations in solar and heliospheric physics, making me one of the best candidates for a SC member for Divison E. 4) I have hosted or been the chair of sessions for more than a dozen international conferences, and are experienced in organising collaborations and hosting events. 5) I am very enthusiastic and willing to do my best as a SC member for Division E.

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First Name: Maria

Middle Name: S.

Last Name: Madjarska-Theissen

Email: madjarska@mps.mpg.de

Secondary Email: mmadjarska@space.bas.bg

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Germany

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I have been involved in the activity of the Women in Astronomy working group.

I have been following very closely the Astronomy for Development Office and submitted several years ago a project for working with school children in Bulgaria, which unfortunately was not funded.

I have always been readily available to help and support the IAU Sun and Heliosphere Division.

Motivation:

Since the very beginning of my career, I have always closely followed all the activities of the International Astronomical Union as the organisation that reflects and represents not only my professional interests and duties but also the many social, structural and educational issues of our society that I deeply care about. I am employed part-time as a full professor at the Space Research and Technology Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria and as a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research Institute, Germany. Apart from communicating my research findings through peer-reviewed articles, I immensely enjoy presenting my research at conferences and seminars. I also truly enjoy being an educator by corresponding the exciting astrophysical explorations with school children of any age and the public. I am strongly committed to educating, inspiring, mentoring, and supporting the young generation. I am an experienced advisor, especially for young female professionals having managed a successful research career and a family. After many years in my research career, I have built up extensive experience and a strong motivation to serve and support the international scientific community and give back the care and support I have received throughout my career.

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First Name: Martin

Middle Name: Anthony

Last Name: Snow

Email: msnow@sansa.org.za

Secondary Email: snowm@colorado.edu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: South Africa

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Attended general assemblies and symposia in the past.
Served on the SSC for the 2024 GA.
SOC for IAUS-390 to be held at the GA in 2024.

Motivation:

I am the only solar physicist in South Africa, and one of only a few in the continent of Africa. My goal in coming to South Africa is to expand the study of solar physics. I have had two postdocs, three Master's students, and six senior undergraduates working on solar physics research. I would be pleased to represent SA on the Steering Committee.

Before coming to SA as the Research Chair in Space Weather, I was a research scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder for several decades.

I have a wide range of science interests, and I think that I could be a useful member of the committee.

Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology

Candidate for: Division President

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First Name: Athena

Last Name: Coustenis

Email: athena.coustenis@obspm.fr

Gender: Female

Country of Work: France

Position: Division President

Detailed experience:

- Currently member of the IAU Outer Solar System Task Group of the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (OSSTG-WGPSN)
- Elected member of the IAU Division F "Planetary Systems and Astrobiology" Steering Committee for the triennium 2018-2021.
- Also member of the IAU Working Group on Global Coordination of Ground and Space Astrophysics

Motivation:

I am Director of Research in Astrophysics with the French Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) at Paris Observatory. I investigate planetary atmospheres and surfaces, their origins and evolution, with emphasis on the habitable conditions in the Solar System and exoplanets. I am involved in the definition, development and exploitation of space missions (like Cassini-Huygens, JUICE and ARIEL) to solar system bodies with high astrobiological potential, in particular icy moons like Titan and Enceladus, Ganymede and Europa, but also Mars and the exoplanets. I have also led many observational campaigns from ground-based telescopes and ISO to conduct planetary investigations. I analyze the observations to characterise the atmospheres and surfaces of planets, satellites and exoplanets.
I am currently the President of the COSPAR Panel on Planetary Protection and of the Science evaluation committee of the French National Center for Space Studies. I am also the Vice-Chair of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the AAS. I am a member of several other international advisory bodies (NASA, ESA, national agencies, IAA, IUGG, etc). My production record includes about 300 scientific articles, several books or chapters and more than 750 presentations.
The purpose and values of Division F are close to my research and expertise.

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Nadia

Last Name: Balucani

Email: nadia.balucani@unipg.it

Secondary Email: nadia.balucani@inaf.it

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Italy

Position: Division Vice-President

Motivation:

I am a chemistry professor working on prebiotic chemistry in space, very active in the Italian astrobiology community as a member of the executive committee of the Italian Society of Astrobiology. I also participate in the activities of the European Institute of Astrobiology.
I am very passionate about the topic and hope to contribute by adding a chemical insight into it.
I lead a research group with an experimental research line (in which the rarefied conditions of the interstellar medium, cometary comae and planetary atmospheres are reproduced to understand the emergence of organic chemistry in space) and a theoretical line (in which quantum chemistry is used to study those reactions that are difficult to address with experimental techniques).
I collaborate with colleagues who work on models of planetary atmospheres or star-forming regions.
My research on the topic is funded by the Italian space agency.

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First Name: Irina

Middle Name: N.

Last Name: Belskaya

Email: irina@astron.kharkov.ua

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Ukraine

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

President of Commission F4 Asteroids, Comets & Transneptunian Objects (2021-2024)
Steering Committee Member of Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology (2021-2024)
Organizing Committee Member of Commission 15 Physical Study of Comets & Minor Planets (2012-2015)

Motivation:

My main research focuses on the study of the origin of our Solar system through physical properties of asteroids and transneptunian objects. I have been actively working on the study of Solar system small bodies for about 40 years. Serving as a President of IAU Commission F4 and a member of Division F Steering Committee, I have better understand the IAU’s goals as well as realized how much results depend on the activity of individuals. I am motivated to contribute my experience and enthusiasm in promoting planetary system research and improving science connections across scientists of different nations.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Cecilia

Last Name: Ceccarelli

Email: cecilia.ceccarelli@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr

Gender: Female

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I am a member of IAU since decades, but I never covered any specific role.

Motivation:

In the last years, I have led or coordinated several international projects, including an European Community Network, with several colleagues, and participated to several committees and boards.
I would like to put my experience at the service of the IAU, hoping that it could be useful, and, on my side, to learn from and exchange with more colleague.

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First Name: Alain

Last Name: Doressoundiram

Email: alain.doressoundiram@obspm.fr

Gender: Male

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

senior astronomer at Paris Observatory
member of the IAU since 2009
So specific commitment but attending almost all the GA

Motivation:

am a planetary scientist and lecturer at the university, and I propose to contribute to this Commission with my experience on that field. I'm very much involved in and excited by public outreach activities: Exoplanets and Solar System related topics generate a great interest to the public, in particular thanks to space missions that allow us to show amazing images of other worlds that can be easily explained, and this Commission can propagate this motivation to communicate with the public who is always so grateful that we share our knowledge and dreams.

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First Name: Masateru

Last Name: ISHIGURO

Email: ishiguro@snu.ac.kr

Secondary Email: ishigrmt@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Korea, Rep of

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Current Organizing Committee Member of Commission F4 Asteroids, Comets & Transneptunian Objects
Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission 22 Meteors, Meteorites & Interplanetary Dust (2012-2015)

Motivation:

I have conducted observational and theoretical research in planetary science using space probes (Hayabusa and DESTINY+) and telescopes (AKARI and Subaru). I have also devoted myself to fostering young scientists and students. I will make further efforts to promote more active international exchange activities in the IAU/Planetary Science Division by making use of my experiences in Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries.

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First Name: Daniela

Last Name: Lazzaro

Email: lazzaro@on.br

Secondary Email: lazzaro.daniela@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Brazil

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Vice-President (2018-2024) - tem ending at GA in August
SC Member of OAD (2018-2024)
OC EC-WG on Women in Astronomy (since 2012)
Division F SC member (2015-2018)
Member of Membership Committee (2015-2018)
VP Comission 20 SOC (2012-2015)
Secretatry Commission SOC 20 (2009-2012)
Member Comission 20 SOC (2003-2009)
President Resolution Committe (2009-2012)
Member of Division III OC (2009-2012)
Member of Committee for Small Bodies Nomenclature (2003-2009)

Motivation:

I have a good communication with all the regional and international planetary science community, probably due to my commitment in organizing important international meeting and workshops, in Latin America, such as the IAU General Assembly in Brazil in 2009 or the ACM in 2005.
I am conscious of the difficulties and necessities for our community to develop, in a regional and global scale, and my experience with the IAU organization might be useful to take advantage of the opportunities when they appear.
Moreover, I have been an active IAU member since some time now, with much experience in the IAU organization and that might be useful to the division take advantages of the opportunities when they appear.
Therefore,, if I am selected, I will do my best to represent the planetary science community, in particular the one traditionally with less financial resources, not only in South America, in the global search for a greater knowledge, inclusiveness and awareness of the universe surrounding us.

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First Name: Eduardo

Middle Name: L.

Last Name: Martín

Email: ege@iac.es

Secondary Email: ege1008@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Spain

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Chair of scientific committee and editor of book of proceedings for IAU Symposium 211 "Brown Dwarfs" held in the Big Island of Hawaii in May 2002.

Motivation:

I have in high regard the role of the IAU in the astronomical community and its impact in the public in general, and I am motivated and excited by the prospect of contributing in a leadership position to its activities in the field of Astrobiology and Planetary Systems.
In the past I have enjoyed and learned from the experience of being part of the organization of scientific meetings related to Astrobiology and Planetary Systems. For example, in 2004 I served as a member of the Science Organizing Committee (SOC) for the "Bioastronomy 2004: Habitable Worlds" conference held in Iceland, in 2009 I co-chaired the SOC and co-edited the proceedings book for the conference "Research, Science and Technology of Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets" held in Shangai, and in 2015 I served in the SOC of the 31st International Colloquium of the Institut d´Astrophysique de Paris "From Super Earths to Brown Dwarfs". Recently I have authored an educational/outreach book with IOP publishing entitled "Lithium across the Cosmos".
Currently I am leading an interdisciplinary research group funded by an ERC Advanced grant with the main goal of pushing the frontier of understanding of substellar-mass objects in the Milky Way, with particular emphasis on the scientific exploitation of the Euclid space mission.

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First Name: Flora

Last Name: Paganelli

Email: paganelliflora@gmail.com

Secondary Email: paganelliflora@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Dr. Paganelli is a very active Member of the Inter-Division A-F WG Cartographic Coordinates & Rotational Elements (WGCCRE) [2018-present] and Organizing Committee Member of the IAU Commission F4 on Asteroids, Comets & Transneptunian Objects [2021-present]. Other memberships include:
- Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy
- Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science
- Member of Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology.

She collaborated in the workings and submission of a Proposal for an IAU Symposium in 2025 on "ADVANCING REFERENCE SYSTEMS, EPHEMERIS, AND STANDARDS - From the Earth and the Moon to solar system bodies", Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina 4-8 August, 2025 (Alberto Escapa et al., 2023)

Motivation:

I would like to express my interest in the SC role of Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology to increase my exposure and collaboration on topics related to planetary research and applications, such as navigation and mapping of planetary bodies, that is connected to the experience and work in support of the Inter-Division A-F WGCCRE that has been recently focusing on Moon and Mars reference frames.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Flora Paganelli

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First Name: Aswin

Last Name: Sekhar

Email: aswinsek@gmail.com

Secondary Email: aswin.sekhar@obspm.fr

Gender: Male

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Have presented talks at multiple IAU General Assemblies in the past. Have been winner of multiple IAU grants. Have closely interacted with multiple people in top IAU leadership roles regarding science outreach and policy making in the developing world. Joined IAU as full member in 2015 (part of multiple commissions) and have been active ever since in spreading the magic of planetary sciences both in local community in my home country as well as to the global community abroad.

Motivation:

I am the first professional meteor scientist from India. I have been active in propagating astronomy of small solar system bodies in my own country and abroad by spreading awareness about both the aesthetics as well as the risk posed by small solar system bodies. I will be able to bring new perspectives regarding science outreach, science policy making and involving the rural communities in astronomy and make the global initiatives inclusive of more minority and diversity since I belong to that background myself. I look forward to working with the top IAU leadership people to enhance more cooperation and collaboration in solar system small bodies and planetary science, in general, on a global scale in the developing world. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Clear skies!

Division G Stars and Stellar Physics

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Lilia

Last Name: Ferrario

Email: lilia.ferrario@anu.edu.au

Secondary Email: lilia.ferrario@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Australia

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

I have been an organizer of IAU colloquia and symposia.

Motivation:

I have never been involved in IAU activities and I think that it's now time for me to give a hand if required. I have extensive experience in managing large groups of academics and budgets. I was the director of mathematics education for 8 years and I am currently the director of a research school of mathematical sciences. I have been involved in outreach activities, Indigenous science, gender balance issues for decades. My school employs academics in a variety of disciplines, from pure mathematics to theoretical astrophysics, plasma and nuclear physics, environmental mathematics, and the modelling of biological systems. I think that interdisciplinary research is of fundamental importance to make fundamental advances in our understanding of nature.

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First Name: Jacco

Middle Name: Th.

Last Name: van Loon

Email: j.t.van.loon@keele.ac.uk

Gender: Neutral

Country of Work: United Kingdom

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Chair, Working Group of Red Giants and Supergiants 2015-2021
President, IAU Commission G3 "Stellar Evolution" 2021-2024
Member, EC Working Group on Equity and Inclusion

Motivation:

I am passionate about creating a research culture that is inclusive and ensures all talent has true and equal opportunity to contribute and benefit. Within the IAU I have piloted an "Ombud" to scope the landscape, a concept that I am committed to further develop within Division G, with a view of establishing an IAU Ethics Committee that is independent from the Executive Committee. I would also reach out to under-represented and junior colleagues, giving them avenues to participate in IAU business and research coordinating activities. I would strive to change the way IAU PhD prizes are selected, removing the element of privilege.
I am a fervent advocate of hybrid meetings and believe all IAU sponsored meetings must allow for active remote participation. This removes barriers to participation and gaining visibility by those with caring responsibilities, financial or physical difficulties to travel, or concerns about the environmental impact of travel.
I am a firm believer that the fundamental gaps in our understanding are best resolved by bringing together evidence and ideas from multiple fields and perspectives. I would actively reach out to the broader community to launch and support inter-disciplinary workshops not limited to the confines of Division G.

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First Name: Jorick

Middle Name: S.

Last Name: Vink

Email: jorick.vink@armagh.ac.uk

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United Kingdom

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

- 2012: SOC Chair Joint Discussion on Very Massive Stars in the Local Universe, IAU GA, Beijing
- 2014: First Elected Vice-President of new IAU commission of massive stars (G2)
- 2016: SOC Member IAUS 329: “The Lives and Death-Throes of Massive Stars”, Auckland, New Zealand
- 2018: President IAU Commission G2 on Massive Stars
- 2021: SOC Co-Chair IAUS 361: "Massive Stars Near & Far" aimed at Early Career Researchers (Virtual)
- 2021: SOC Co-Chair IAUS 370: "Winds of Stars and Exoplanets, General Assembly, Busan, Korea"
- 2021: Advisor IAU Commission G2
- 2022: SOC Co-Chair IAUS 361: IAUS 361: ”Massive stars: Near & Far”, Ireland (PPD from 2020)

Motivation:

I am passionate about Stellar Physics & Evolution. While my prime area is currently in massive stars, I have also worked on low-mass stars (young & evolved).
Thanks to new data from space photometry it has become abundantly clear that we can still learn a tremendous deal about the properties of stellar interiors. Furthermore, the detections of gravitational waves have shown our stellar evolution models to still be wanting, despite the tremendous progress made over the last century. As an expert in Stellar Atmospheres and Evolution I think I am in an ideal position to make the case for Stellar Astrophysics to the larger Astronomical community, and I would be delighted to serve as Vice President of the Stellar IAU Division G.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Marc

Last Name: Audard

Email: Marc.Audard@unige.ch

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Switzerland

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Member of Divisions B, D, G, H
Past member of different Commissions and Divisions related to stars, interstellar medium, and high-energy astrophysics
Member of IAU since 2003.

Motivation:

I aim to contribute to the IAU by joining the Division G Steering Committee by promoting the activities in the field of star formation, including time domain aspects, in the context of large-scale surveys and Big data, a major endeavour nowadays thanks to the breadth and diversity of astronomical data. I would like to foster further relations with Division H which also touches upon star formation and the surrounding material (clouds and protoplanetary disks), and Division B on the topic of Astroinformatics and Data Science.

After extending my initial expertise in the high-energy emission of stellar coronae to multi-wavelength observations of star forming regions, using space and ground facilities from the radio to X-rays, I have broadened my scientific interests to, e.g., episodic accretion (I led a Protostars and Planets review chapter), gas emission in protoplanetary disks (I led the organization of the Saas-Fee Course “From Protoplanetary Disks to Planet Formation”), and, in general, star formation in large-scale surveys (e.g., Gaia), using machine learning techniques.

I have a wide network of collaboration, thanks to my participation in the scientific, programmatic, and technical aspects of past and current missions and projects (e.g., Gaia, ATHENA, XRISM, SKA, XMM-Newton, SPICA), and through the European Astronomical Society of which I am the Executive Secretary. Such broad network will be helpful to foster ties with the other divisions and provide input to the Division Steering Committee.

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First Name: Christopher

Middle Name: Donald

Last Name: Farrington

Email: farrington@chara-array.org

Secondary Email: christopher.d.farrington@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

IAU General Assembly 2015

Motivation:

I want to be a part of the larger IAU stellar community. Available to promote the advances in optical/IR interferometry to the stellar community at large and connect with others that might find value in different methods for stellar astronomy. I also want to be more aware of advancements in other areas of stellar astronomy and the collaborations that can be formed between commissions. I bring with me 20 years of operations and observatory management experience.

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First Name: Ranjan

Last Name: Gupta

Email: rag@iucaa.in

Secondary Email: ranjaniucaa@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Member of IAU Division G Stars and Stellar Physics

Motivation:

Wish to continue as a member of IAU Division G Stars and Stellar Physics

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First Name: Laura

Last Name: Magrini

Email: laura.magrini@inaf.it

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Italy

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I have no previous experience in the IAU, except for organising a few meetings.

Motivation:

I am interested in actively participating in the activities related to stars, both in themselves and as fundamental components of galaxies. I am interested in all aspects related to chemical evolution, and stellar nucleosynthesis.
I am involved in numerous scientific projects, both for new instruments and surveys, and I am happy to share my expertise in Division G.

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First Name: Somaya

Middle Name: Mohamed

Last Name: Saad

Email: saadmhsaad@gmail.com

Secondary Email: somaya.saad@nriag.sci.eg

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Egypt

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Member since 2003
Member of the Egypt National Committee since 2005
Vice-President of the Egypt National committee 2015-1018
President of the Egypt National Committee 2018-2021
One of the LOC of ISYA 40th -2018in Egypt
NOC of Egypt
NAEC of Egypt
Director of OAE-Egypt

Motivation:

As an specialiezed in stellar astronomy, my motivation to join Divission G from a deep-seated commitment to advancing the field of stellar astrophysics. With my expertise in the this field of research and my experience, I am keen to contribute to the the work in this direction
I am particularly motivated by the potential to work with a diverse group of professionals from across the world, I believe that my background in stellar astrophysics research, coupled with my experience, will allow me to contribute significantly to realize the G division goals.
In joining the division G membership, I am eager to contribute my time, expertise, and passion for to help realize the potential of stellar astrophysics researches.

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First Name: Annapurni

Last Name: Subramaniam

Email: purni@iiap.res.in

Secondary Email: annapurni.iia@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Chair, membership committee

Motivation:

I have more than three decades of research experience. My primary research interest is star clusters. I study star clusters to characterise them, understand stellar evolution, study the formation pathways of peculiar stars such as blue stragglers, classical Be stars found in clusters. I have studied star clusters of the Magellanic Clouds extensively. I have extensive experience in using ground and space based observatories for the study of star clusters. I need two surveys with the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope on AstroSat, to trace and study hot stellar population in open and globular clusters of our Galaxy.
Currently I am in a leadership position as the director of one of the premier institution astrophysics in India. I am also the chief Editor of the Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy jointly published by the Indian Academy of sciences, Astronomical Society of India and Springer. I also either chair, or participate as a member of various committees that take decisions regarding funding in Science and Technology. I have the right combination of expertise star cluster research and experience in leadership roles to contribute to the international community by becoming a member of the commission.

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First Name: Laszlo

Last Name: Szabados

Email: szabados@konkoly.hu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Hungary

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

National Astronomy Education Coordinator
Organizing Committee Member of Commission G1 Binary and Multiple Star Systems
Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy
Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage, member of Commission C4 World Heritage and Astronomy
Member of Division G Stars and Stellar Physics,
member of Commission G1 Binary and Multiple Star Systems, member of Commission G4 Pulsating Stars
Past Organizing Committee Member of Commission 30 Radial Velocities (2000-2006)
Past Member of Commission 26 Double & Multiple Stars (until 2015)
Past Member of Commission 27 Variable Stars (until 2015)
Past Member of Commission 30 Radial Velocities (until 2015)
Past Member of Commission 41 History of Astronomy (until 2015)

Motivation:

As an astrophysicist with more than 50 years of experience, and broad international relations, I intend to stimulate wider co-operations of experts working in various fields of stellar astrophysics, and possibly with other Divisions.

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First Name: Robert

Last Name: Szabo

Email: rszabo@konkoly.hu

Secondary Email: szabo.robert@csfk.org

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Hungary

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

IAU Div G Commission G4 (Pulsating stars) acting president 2018-2021
IAU Div G Commission G4 (Pulsating stars) president 2021-2024
IAU Financial Committee member 2021 –
IAU Symposium No 376 'At the cross-roads of astrophysics and cosmology: Period–luminosity relations in the 2020s' and related Spring School, April 2023 LOC chair

Motivation:

As an expert on variable stars – mostly pulsating ones, space photometric missions, as well as large sky surveys (e.g. LSST), and the director of Konkoly Observatory, one of the larges astronomical research institutes in the Central-Eastern European region I believe that I'm well versed to serve the stellar community for another term, now as a Div G Steering Committee member. I feel that my recent experience as the president of Comm G4, and being the main organizer of the successful IAU Symp 376 on period-luminosity relations make me a good candidate for the position. If elected, I would like to work on promoting the involvement of junior and underrepresented members in the work of the Division.

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First Name: Jingkun

Last Name: ZHAO

Email: zjk@bao.ac.cn

Gender: Male

Country of Work: China, Nanjing

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

I would like to contribute more about the research on star and stellar physics. I have much experience about the white dwarfs and stellar elemental abundance.

Division H Interstellar Matter and Local Universe

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Edvige

Last Name: Corbelli

Email: edvige.corbelli@inaf.it

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Italy

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Edvige has served in the Division H steering committee for two terms (almost 6 years) and recently she has been appointed member of the IAU National Committee for Astronomy in Italy.

Motivation:

Edvige Corbelli is an astronomer working at INAF-Arcetri Observatory, Firenze, Italy. She was a student of Edwin E. Salpeter at Cornell University where she learned astrophysics and worked on the gas properties and recycling in and around galaxies. Since then she has published extensively on topics related to the interstellar medium, gas dynamics and the gas-to-star conversion process in nearby galaxies and in Local Group spirals, which can be observed with unprecedented detail, from the faint outskirts down to individual protostellar clusters. Recently she has also worked on topics related to galaxy-galaxy encounters. Gathering astronomical communities through international conferences is fundamental for scientific progress in any field, and Edvige has promoted and invested time to organize several large international meetings, such as the Spineto Conferences, that offered unique environments for sharing critical thoughts and stimulating constructive discussion among our community. She has been part of national committees for awarding prices to remarkable PhD and Master theses in astrophysics, and is involved in educational projects, events and special lectures in high schools to promote astronomy among students.
It is with the purpose of sharing her personal experience and helping the growth of the Division H community that she applies for vice-president of this Division.

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First Name: Priya

Middle Name: (Hasan)

Last Name: Shah

Email: priya.hasan@gmail.com

Secondary Email: priyashasan@yahoo.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Co-Chair of IAU-WG Women in Astronomy
Part of Organising Commitee of Commision H1

Motivation:

Have been part of Organising Commitee of Commision H1 and would like to continue working at a higher level to initiate activities related to training and education of young astronomers. Also would like to have more seminars and workshops related to the area.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Carolina

Last Name: Kehrig

Email: kehrig@iaa.es

Secondary Email: kehrig@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Spain

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

Considering my research expertise in topics related with Division H (e.g., physical properties of the ionised ISM, and massive stellar content in nearby galaxies) I would like to serve as a SC member for Division H to contribute with the corresponding main activities.

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First Name: Di

Last Name: LI

Email: dili@nao.cas.cn

Secondary Email: ithaca.li@outlook.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: China, Nanjing

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Taught in the outreach workshop in Vietnam, sponsored by OAD

Motivation:

My career started at Arecibo. I can still remember the unforgettable first impression of its grandeur, its aspiration, and its openness. A true emblem of “One world one sky”. Like many of my colleagues, it was sad to bid farewell to Arecibo, when I saw a friend’s post –“it’s gone”— on facebook in December 2020. Largely motivated by Arecibo, we built the FAST telescope with nearly three decades of efforts from several generations of astronomers. HI surveys are a key legacy of Arecibo, which we are trying to extend at FAST, with e.g. the Commensal Radio Astronomy FAST Survey (CRAFTS). These surveys should set the stage for the upcoming SKA, which will bring the field of ISM studies into a new era. Our field is also seeing unprecedented capabilities of directly systematically observation of H2 with the JWST. I believe that we are seeing the rejuvenation of our field, potentially solving a slew of classical problems, and maybe entering into a Golden era of studying the interstellar matter. I'd like to contribute to these developments and have the honor to work with all colleagues in IAU division H. Our division should stay on the forefront of the field and lead the international collaborations.

Division J Galaxies and Cosmology

Candidate for: Division Vice-President

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First Name: Lerothodi

Middle Name: Lapula

Last Name: Leeuw

Email: Lerothodi@alum.mit.edu

Secondary Email: lerothodi@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: South Africa

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

I received my PhD in 2002 and have been a member of the IAU since 2006. As an IAU member, I have attended many IAU GAs as well as Symposia. My recent IAU activities include co-chairing a proposal for a Focus Meeting to the IAU GA 2024 in Cape Town. I was recently also the founding Vice President of the African Astronomical Society and helped the society get off the ground and grow into a fully active society across the African continent and link with other professional societies internationally, including the IAU.

Motivation:

I am a professor of astrophysics who studies galaxy evolution, as an observational astronomer who interfaces with computation. My work includes testing how well the physical properties of galaxies in observations are predicted by cosmological simulations. My interest include searches of dark matter particles and the interface of particle physics with astrophysics. I also do extensive work in both astronomy education, outreach and heritage in my home country South Africa, as well as internationally. I am applying for Division J Vice President to contribute to the mission of the division and its interface with other physical sciences and as well as grow its activities both in Africa, my home continent, and internationally. This year is especially important with the IAU GA coming to Africa for the first time ever, as it is a first not only for the IAU but the African continent as well, with potential impact for the growth of the IAU and related African development. I also note I was recently the founding Vice President of the African Astronomical Society and helped the society get off the ground and grow into a fully active society across the African continent and link with other professional societies internationally, including the IAU, and will bring my experience to this position I am applying for. In summary I am applying for Division J Vice President to help contribute and grow its legacy together with current and future IAU members and the scientific community at large and I come with good related experience.

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First Name: Mamta

Last Name: Pommier

Email: mamtapommier@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

Motivation:

Division J seeks to unite the efforts of researchers focusing on the physics of the Universe and galaxies beyond our Milky Way using theory, simulations, and panchromatic observations. Their goal is to connect and work other Divisions such as Div B, Div D, Div G and Div H.

I wish to help achieve this, by organizing meetings with diverse working groups to promote international collaboration and the sharing of ideas to tackle the challenges encountered by Astronomers working in Galaxies and Cosmology field. Moreover, my objective is to support initiatives and establish resources facilitating the effective utilization of large-scale survey data accessible in the public domain, while also promoting gender balance.

My background as an extragalactic Radio Astronomer, member of the IAU Executive committee, Chair of the Women in Astronomy Working Group, and Steering Committee Member of Division B has equipped me with the requisite experience and skills to serve as the vice president of Division J Galaxies and Cosmology effectively.

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First Name: Stephen

Last Name: Serjeant

Email: stephen.serjeant@open.ac.uk

Secondary Email: s.serjeant@open.ac.uk

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United Kingdom

Position: Division Vice-President

Detailed experience:

IAU member since 2006

Motivation:

Our IAU Division needs to be responsive to some very rapid recent developments in extragalactic astronomy, and if voted in, I will prioritise this flexibility in our activities. Deep JWST observations are already transformative from ultra-high redshifts to the nearby Universe, and transformative wide-field survey science is or will shortly be underway from Euclid, Rubin LSST and more. Extragalactic astronomy is dramatically different to just three years ago. Observational constraints often drive major developments in this field, which in turn are often heralded by opening up survey parameter space, so we can anticipate greater community interest in, for example, fundamental cosmographic constraints from both strong and weak gravitational lensing and from baryonic oscillations, new spectroscopic windows into the composition and evolution of the ISM, and the development and application of new data mining technologies. Some of these are currently under-represented in the IAU structures. These developments are happening faster than the IAU's timescales e.g. for renewing commissions, so we will need adaptability and flexibility in prioritising Division activities, for which I seek your support.

Candidate for: Division Steering Committee member

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First Name: Alok

Middle Name: Chandra

Last Name: Gupta

Email: acgupta30@gmail.com

Secondary Email: alok@aries.res.in

Gender: Male

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

I work in the front-line research field of "multi-wavelength variability and quasi-periodic oscillations in blazar." I have approximately 30 years of experience in this field. In present-day multi-wavelength transient astronomy, the research field has attracted a large number of researchers around the globe. Several ground-based and space-based telescopes are involved in the study. I have published 150+ research papers in the top-rated journals of astronomy and astrophysics and supervised several PhD, postdoctoral, and masters students. I have been a permanent faculty member in my institute since January 2008, have held a full professor position since January 2019, and have received my next promotion at the level of senior professor with effect from July 2024. I think the commission requires representation from the field, and so I am applying for the post.

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First Name: Pascale

Middle Name: M

Last Name: Hibon

Email: phibon@eso.org

Secondary Email: hibonpascale@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Chile

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

No experience in IAU Steering Committees.

Motivation:

I would like to help maintain the promotion of research, education and outreach on topics related to the physics of the Universe and galaxies at high redshift.
I have been an active member of the AURA/Gemini, ESO and SPIE diversity - equity - inclusion committees and I consider this experience relevant and useful for the Division J Steering Committee.
I am based in Chile and working at ESO Chile with a mix of research (focusing on high-redshift galaxies) and duties. I hope not only to highlight and promote the IAU meetings in the Chilean astronomical community but also to ensure that young astronomers and astronomers dealing with duties are well-represented in the activities and meetings organized by Division J.
Thanks to my professional and personal backgrounds, I can and enjoy interacting effectively and appropriately in multicultural environments. These life-enhancing situations have shown my capability to adapt myself constantly to understand what was at stake and to learn from others.
Being part of an international, multicultural and interdisciplinary environment is an experience I would like to pursue by joining the Division J Steering Committee.

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First Name: Ruta

Middle Name: Prabhakar

Last Name: Kale

Email: ruta@ncra.tifr.res.in

Secondary Email: ruta.kale@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: India

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

I have attended the IAU GA 2022 in Busan, Korea. I was on the SOC of FM6. I have voted in the past IAU elections.

Motivation:

I work broadly in the field of galaxy clusters. I have about 12 years of research experience since my PhD (2011). I have worked on non-thermal phenomena in galaxy clusters, the brightest cluster galaxies and active and dying radio galaxies. I am an elected member on the Executive council of the Astronomical Society of India and have experience of working in such organisation for the past three years. I would like to contribute towards effective communication of research in the field of galaxies and cosmology through the IAU platform. In this era when large facilities like the JWST are operational and telescopes like the Square Kilometer Array are set to be constructed, it is important for astronomers in this field to communicate and collaborate in order to achieve the scientific goals making the most efficient use of the facilities in an inclusive way.

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First Name: Lerothodi

Middle Name: Lapula

Last Name: Leeuw

Email: Lerothodi@alum.mit.edu

Secondary Email: lerothodi@gmail.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: South Africa

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Lerothodi Leeuw works in Galaxy Evolution at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. He has been an IAU Member for more than twenty years and is former vice-president of the African Astronomical Society.

Motivation:

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First Name: Vincenzo

Last Name: Mainieri

Email: vmainier@eso.org

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Germany

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science
Member of Division D High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics
Member of Division J Galaxies and Cosmology
Member of Commission J3 Galaxies at the Epoch of Reionisation
Member of Cross-Division D-J Commission Supermassive Black Holes, Feedback and Galaxy Evolution
Member of Executive Committee WG Global Coordination of Ground and Space Astrophysics

Motivation:

I consider the IAU an important organization for the astronomical community. In particular, I value greatly the IAU's role in
organizing high-level scientific meetings, triggering interactions between different astronomical communities (e.g. via the
inter-divisional commissions) and the education and outreach programs. I consider myself a lucky person for doing this job, and I regard the transmission of our knowledge and enthusiasm to the general public and younger generations as crucial. The IAU is helping us achieving these goals.

My intention is to participate to the activities of the Commission-J, so to serve a body that I consider valuable. In particular, I would like to use my scientific expertise to contribute to the selection of very high-level IAU Symposia, which are a key contribution from the IAU to its community. I am committed to ensure the promotion of respectful interactions during these meetings, so to create an environment where diversity and inclusion are valued.

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First Name: Areg

Middle Name: M.

Last Name: Mickaelian

Email: aregmick@yahoo.com

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Armenia

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Organization of IAU meetings/schools: 1998-2023: IAU S194, C184, ISYA-32, S304, S365, Regional Astron. Workshops (RAW), Regional Astron. Summer Schools (RASS)

Motivation:

Active Galaxies, particularly Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are the main subject of my research. In addition, I am interested in many other aspects of galaxies in general and their relation to Active Galaxies. I have published more than 100 papers on this subject. My research is somewhat multiwavelength given that I work with X-ray, UV, optical, IR and radio data. I have revealed many new IR galaxies (called Byurakan-IR Galaxies, BIG), identified thousands of X-ray sources (Byurakan-Hamburg-ROSAT Catalogue (BHRC) objects), revealed thousands of radio variable sources from NVSS and FIRST, introduced a new fine classification of Active Galaxies for their activity types.

I am interested in many IAU activities, including organization of scientific meetings and schools for young astronomers, establishing collaborations between countries and institutions, etc.

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First Name: Mamta

Last Name: Pommier

Email: mamtapommier@gmail.com

Gender: Female

Country of Work: France

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Detailed experience:

Motivation:

I wish to help achieve this, by organizing meetings with diverse working groups to promote international collaboration and the sharing of ideas to tackle the challenges encountered by Astronomers working in Galaxies and Cosmology field. Moreover, my objective is to support initiatives and establish resources facilitating the effective utilization of large-scale survey data accessible in the public domain, while also promoting gender balance.

My background as an extragalactic Radio Astronomer, member of the IAU Executive committee, Chair of the Women in Astronomy Working Group, and Steering Committee Member of Division B has equipped me with the requisite experience and skills to serve as the Steering Committee member of Division J Galaxies and Cosmology effectively.

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First Name: Scott

Middle Name: W.

Last Name: Randall

Email: srandall@cfa.harvard.edu

Gender: Male

Country of Work: United States

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

The landscape for modern astrophysics is changing rapidly, with multiple new and proposed observing facilities, and significant advances in the tools available to astronomers (e.g., Machine Learning and other AI techniques) to help expand the potential discovery space. I would like to take part in helping to develop a roadmap for the advancement of the studies of galaxies, large scale structure, and cosmology in the context of this landscape. I believe that my 20+ years of experience in helping to operate Chandra, a major X-ray satellite mission, as well as my research into the physics of galaxy clusters, the cosmic web, AGN feedback, structure formation, and dark matter would be useful in this regard.

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First Name: Solohery

Middle Name: M.

Last Name: Randriamampandry

Email: soloherymampionona@gmail.com

Secondary Email: solohery@saao.ac.za

Gender: Male

Country of Work: Madagascar

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

Greetings, I want to join the Division to participate in its activities and contribute to its development. Best regards.

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First Name: Tracy

Middle Name: M.A.

Last Name: Webb

Email: webb@physics.mcgill.ca

Secondary Email: tracy.webb@mcgill.ca

Gender: Female

Country of Work: Canada

Position: Division Steering Committee member

Motivation:

Over the past 20 years I have been an active member of the Canadian astronomical eco-system, serving on committees for the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) and sitting on the Canada-France-Hawaii Science Advisory Committee, for example. While shaping Canadian astronomy is important - as a Canadian - I also wish to contribute more to the international landscape. I find working with collaborators and colleagues from other countries (say on an international Time Allocation Committee) rewarding and interesting, and I would love to be able to play a larger role in international astronomy. This is becoming more important as the world becomes more global and our observational projects become more and more international.