Sent electronically to Individual Members on August 03, 2010
by Ian Corbett, General Secretary
IB106 is online and can be found at https://www.iau.org/static/publications/IB106.pdf
The due date for contributions to IB107 is 1 November 2010.
The President of the South African National Research Foundation, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, signed a landmark agreement in Pretoria with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on 30 July which will foster and promote astronomy in the developing world. Under the agreement the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) at Cape Town will house the new organisation. The OAD will coordinate a wide range of activities designed to stimulate activities throughout the world as part of a pioneering ten-year plan initiated by the IAU to use astronomy as a tool for worldwide development. This agreement formalises a decision taken in May 2010 when the IAU selected South Africa as the host for the new IAU Office for Astronomy Development (OAD). The South African was selected against stiff competition from a field of 20 competing proposals. The OAD will be operated as a partnership between the IAU and South Africa. The South African partners include the SAAO, its parent organisation the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Technology.
The full Press Release can be found on: https://www.iau.org/public_press/news/detail/iau1005/
The next step in the implementation of the decadal strategic plan “Astronomy for the Developing World – Building from the IYA2009” is the appointment of a Director for the OAD to provide the necessary leadership and spearhead the effective implementation of the IAU strategic plan. The success of this important initiative will be critically dependent on the performance of the OAD and its Director, whose drive and commitment will be essential in building up the ambitious programmes envisaged by the IAU. The successful candidate can be expected to satisfy the following minimum requirements:
Experience in fundraising will be a significant advantage.
The full text of the advertisement can be found on: https://www.iau.org/science/news/106/
Please draw this to the attention of anyone you think could be a credible candidate.
You are reminded that the 2012 General Assembly will take place in Beijing from 20-31 August 2012. In anticipation of a full scientific programme, you are reminded that the closing date for the submission of Letters of Intent for 2012 Symposia (6 at the GA, 3 outside the GA), Special Sessions and Joint Discussions is 15 September 2010.
The form for electronic submission can be found at https://www.iau.org/science/meetings/proposals/loi/
Note that this form should be used for Symposia, Special Sessions and Joint Discussions.
The scientific programme of the General Assembly will be decided by the IAU Executive Committee at its meeting in Prague, May 24-26 2011.
You are reminded that the closing date for applications for the 2011 Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation Fellowship is 30 November 2010. Details on applying are on https://www.iau.org/grants_prizes/gruber_foundation/fellowships/procedure/
Please bring this to the attention of any likely candidates.