SKAO joins as Platinum Sponsor for 32nd IAU General Assembly 2024

Exciting Partnership: SKAO Joins as Platinum Sponsor for the Historic IAU General Assembly in Africa

Hosted by the National Research Foundation and supported by the Department of Science and Innovation, the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly is set to mark a monumental occasion with the SKA Observatory (SKAO) joining as the Platinum Sponsor. This significant partnership underscores the SKAO’s deep commitment to astronomy globally and in Africa, perfectly aligning with the Assembly’s core values of Accessibility, Sustainability, and Impact.

Set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from August 6 to 15, 2024, the IAU General Assembly marks a groundbreaking moment in the IAU’s over 100-year history. For the first time, the event will be held on African soil and adopt an open-access format, making it accessible to a global audience.

The SKAO’s sponsorship resonates deeply with the General Assembly’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Supporting this event demonstrates the SKAO’s dedication to advancing astronomical exploration and partnerships, particularly in Africa, a continent burgeoning with astronomical potential. The SKAO has a global footprint, with 16 countries involved, and its two state-of-the-art radio telescopes being built in South Africa’s Karoo region and in Western Australia.

The IAU General Assembly 2024 promises to be a melting pot of ideas, featuring diverse sessions and meetings, including symposia on Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, Solar Observations, and Exoplanets in the JWST Era, among others. These sessions epitomise the innovative spirit of astronomy today, aligning closely with SKAO’s areas of research and expertise.

Moreover, the Assembly will open doors to budding astronomers and students, from diverse backgrounds. This initiative ensures that the Assembly not only shares knowledge but also nurtures the next generation of astronomers, particularly in Africa.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the IAU General Assembly 2024 and SKAO reflects a shared dedication to expanding the horizons of knowledge and fostering a sustainable and inclusive future in science. We eagerly anticipate the fruitful outcomes of this partnership and warmly welcome the global community to partake in this historic event.

About the IAU General Assembly 2024: The 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly is a landmark event in the field of astronomy, offering an open-access, hybrid format for the first time. Hosted by the South African National Research Foundation and supported by the Department of Science and Innovation the meeting is to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, it promises to be a hub of astronomical innovation and collaboration.

About SKAO: The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is an intergovernmental organisation bringing together nations from around the world. Its mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the Universe and deliver benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation. The Observatory has a global footprint and consists of the SKAO Global Headquarters in the UK, the SKAO’s two telescopes at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia, and associated facilities to support the operations of the telescopes. Once in operation, the SKAO will be one global observatory operating two telescopes across three continents on behalf of its member states and partners.