Peking University, Sept. 18, 2012: Professor Liu Xiaowei, Acting Director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University (PKU), was recently elected as Vice President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) at its 28th General Assembly.
Prof. Liu Xiaowei
From August 20 to 31, over 2000 astronomers from all over the world gathered in Beijing to discuss the frontiers of all the astronomical sub-disciplines and related cross subjects. The participants enjoyed a vast collection of scientific presentations in eight Symposia, seven Joint Discussions and eighteen Special Sessions
A session of the IAU 28th General Assembly
Background Info:
The IAU, founded in 1919, aims at promoting and safeguarding the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
The IAU has 10901 Individual Members in 92 countries worldwide. Of those countries, 73 are National Members.
Its individual members - structured in Divisions, Commissions, Working Groups and Program Groups - are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, and active in professional research and education in astronomy. In addition, the IAU collaborates with various organizations all over the world.
The key activity of the IAU is the organization of scientific meetings. Every year the IAU sponsors nine international IAU Symposia. The IAU Symposium Proceedings series is the flagship of the IAU publications. Every three years the IAU holds a General Assembly.
Chinese Astronomical Society (CAS) joined the IAU in 1935. In 2006, CAS won the bid for hosting the IAU 28th General Assembly in 2012.
Written by: Dong Zhiyao
Edited by: Arthars
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
