IAU Regional Meetings
In each triennium, the IAU sponsors a total of three Regional IAU Meetings:
- in the Asian-Pacific region (APRIM, since 1978)
- in the Latin-American region (LARIM, since 1978)
- in the Middle-East-African region (MEARIM, since 2008)
These Meetings are held by invitation of a national astronomical society in, respectively, the Asian-Pacific region, the Latin-American region, and the Middle-East-African region, in years between General Assemblies. Their purpose, in addition to the discussion of specific scientific topics, is to promote contacts between scientists in the regions concerned, especially young astronomers. Therefore, a much wider range of scientific topics, a larger Scientific Organising Committee (SOC), and a larger total attendance are expected for Regional IAU Meetings than for IAU Symposia.
The decision on the location of the Regional Meetings is taken at the end of the previous one. The IAU is not involved in the decision nor a formal approval is required. However, a formal letter that informs the IAU General Secretary about the decision of the site and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the next Regional Meeting is needed and will be announced on the IAU website. The organisation of the Regional Meetings is normally left to the local organisers who should create a website for that meeting containing all information essential for the participants. The standard template for the Website of IAU Meetings should be adopted. For further details, please refer to the Rules and Guidelines for IAU Scientific Meetings.