IAU membership · separate from webinar registration
How to become a Junior Member — and join Commission D1
If you work in gravitational-wave astrophysics and are early in your professional career, IAU Junior Membership is the route into Commission D1.
Eligibility
Start with two checks
Your PhD was completed within the six years preceding the year of application.
You are in the initial phase of a professional career in astronomy, astrophysics or a closely related field.
Application
The process
Watch for the annual call
The call normally opens on 1 October. Use the current IAU membership pages for the final dates and instructions.
Apply online
The application normally asks for professional and PhD details, a CV, a publication list, and your chosen IAU Division or Divisions.
Arrange national endorsement
Your National Committee for Astronomy or Adhering Organisation in your country of employment must endorse the application. If your country is not an IAU National Member, a neighbouring National Member or an appropriate IAU Division may provide a route.
Choose two scientific referees
At least two established scientists who know your work should be able to assess your potential for a professional career in astronomy. They do not need to belong to Commission D1. National procedures differ, so check whether your committee wants letters or only referee details.
Join Commission D1 after admission
Once admitted to the IAU, Junior Members may join Commission D1 by contacting the Commission President and the IAU Secretariat. IAU members may normally belong to up to three Commissions.
Worth knowing
Free, time-limited, not automatic
IAU Junior Membership is free of charge.
Junior Membership lasts no more than six years.
Check your National Committee before preparing reference material.
Junior Membership does not automatically convert into Individual Membership. Professionally active Junior Members must apply through a later annual call with National Committee endorsement.
For complete and updated information, use the official IAU Junior Membership and application-procedure pages.