The purpose of the Laboratory Astrophysics Commission (B5) is to address the multidisciplinary needs and requirements of modern astronomy and planetary science. As a result, the Commission encompasses the four fundamental research areas that generate astrophysical data needs: atomic and molecular astrophysics, physics and chemistry of solid materials and condensed matter (dust and ices), plasma astrophysics, and nuclear and particle astrophysics. The Commission embraces interdisciplinary studies crossing physical, chemical, biological, geological sciences of relevance to astronomy, including experiment, theory, and modeling, from the nuclear and atomic/molecular level to application on astronomical scales.

In summary, the Laboratory Astrophysics Commission is a strongly cross-disciplinary commission with the aim to assist all IAU members in providing the data needed to interpret and understand astronomical observations and to promote Laboratory Astrophysics.