In recognition of the shared goals and mission of promoting science education and communication through international cooperation, the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) through its Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) and Division C on Education, Heritage, and Outreach have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further enhance their cooperation.

This newly signed MoU outlines items for collaboration between the two organisations in areas of mutual interest, such as organising sessions at each other’s regular conferences, engaging in joint outreach activities and astronomy education efforts for promoting the involvement of young people in STEM and working together on issues within the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Frequent meetups will also facilitate the exchange of ideas and identify potential activities to enhance synergies within the scope of annual projects and programs.

“International cooperation is fundamental to the IAU mission, so with this memorandum of understanding we hope to bridge our astronomical community with the next generation of scientists and together enhance networking and mentoring among members of both organisations” says Debra Emegreen, IAU President Elect. “At the very core of the IAPS is building an international, diverse community through which students from across the world connect and work together, so establishing this collaboration with IAU is an amazing step for IAPS towards further contributing to the international spirit of science together with an astronomer community that has been leading the way,” says Duarte Graça, IAPS President.  

The MoU also opens the possibility of further collaboration with other Scientific Bodies within the IAU such as Commission C1 Astronomy Education and Development and Commission C2 Communicating Astronomy with the Public, and the IAU Executive Committee Working Groups on Junior Members and on Astronomy for Equity and Inclusion.

The MoU, which has an initial term of three years, also describes ways in which the IAPS, the IAU OAO and C2 can be mutually supportive in promoting their respective activities to each other’s networks.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

The International Association of Physics Students (IAPS) is an association of physics students and student societies from around the globe, working to promote peaceful collaborations amongst them. Since 1987, IAPS has worked continuously to support friendly relations and collaboration between physics students. IAPS current membership comprises 22 National Committees (NCs), 23 Local Committees (LCs) and around 80 Individual Members (IMs). IAPS runs an annual International Conference for Physics Students (ICPS); an annual physics competition, Physics League Across Numerous Countries for Kick-ass Students (PLANCKS); visits to global research institutions, summer schools, exchange programmes, outreach activities, and multinational meetings all over the world.

Links

• Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)
• International Association of Physics Students (IAPS)
• IAU Division C
• IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Contacts

Susana Deustua
President of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
Email: deustua@arsmetrologia.org 

Duarte Graça
IAPS President
Email: president@iaps.info 

Lina Canas
Director, IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach
Email: lina.canas@nao.ac.jp 

Elora McFall
IAPS Advocacy and Outreach Manager
Email: outreach@iaps.info 

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org