USNC-IAU Committee

About the USNC: The US National Committee for the International Astronomical Union (USNC/IAU) represents the interests of the US astronomical community and safeguards the intellectual vigor of the Union. The USNC/IAU explores issues in:

• Interdisciplinary Research and Resources;
• Individual IAU Membership;
• Access to Scientific Data and Information;
• Diversity Among Astronomers; and
• Young Researcher Participation in IAU.

Membership applications for joining the IAU are received and processed annually in the late Fall. The membership application is an online form, administered by the IAU General Secretary’s Office and a link will be provided on this page and on the USNC-IAU home page at the National Academies of Science on or shortly after 7 October 2023. The application deadline is 15 December 2023. Applications are then considered by the USNC-IAU and notifications of acceptance will be communicated in early Spring 2024. IAU membership is not required to attend the General Assemblies, however, participation as a member is strongly encouraged for all practicing US astronomers.

Members: The USNC is composed of officers and five categories of other representatives all supported by staff of the National Research Council. The AAS elects three members to the USNC to represent the AAS (so-called Category I), up to three members to represent the AAS Board of Trustees (so-called Category II), and has representation in Category IV, which are ex-officio voting members. In addition the Secretary of the USNC is the Secretary of the AAS.

Term: Three years, terms end 30 September of year indicated

Chair: Chryssa Kouveliotou

Vice Chair: Martha P. Haynes

Past Chair: Ken Kellermann (2019)

Secretary: Alice K. B. Monet

NASEM Staff Officer: Ana Ferreras, Category V (Ex officio, non-voting)

Charge: Effects appropriate participation by the United States in International Astronomical Union through the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council.