Help African Astronomers Attend the IAU General Assembly

Genevieve Marshall 
IAU's Office of Astronomy for Development

For the first time in the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) history, the General Assembly will be hosted on the African continent, in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6-15 August 2024 — with over 3,000 abstracts received! Although astronomy is taught and researched across the African continent, funding is often tight with students and early-career researchers struggling to secure local funds to enable them to attend professional conferences. Attending a conference alongside leaders in their field of study is often a life-changing and career-defining opportunity. Attendees can return to their home countries to build capacity in STEM and astronomy. 

In partnership with LSST Discovery Alliance and the African Astronomical Society, the IAU African Astronomer Travel Fund was established to help African astronomers (including master's and PhD students) attend. We received a tremendous amount of exceptional applications that we would like to support but are unable to do so alone. That's why we're asking for your help. 

• 5 donations of $90 each could provide one registration
• 10 donations of $120 each could provide return flights and one registration 
• 15 donations of $120 each could provide flights, accommodation, and registration

Donations can be made online and for any questions please contact Kevin Govender, Director of the IAU's Office of Astronomy for Development. Your gift will make a significant impact on the future of astronomy in Africa, and together, we can ensure astronomers across the continent are able to engage with the very best of cutting-edge scientific research.