Liu Xiaowei (front row, second from right), professor at the South-Western Institute for Astronomy Research of Yunnan University, attends the 30th International Astronomical Union (IAU), which was held in Vienna, from Aug 20 to 31. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Liu delivers a speech at the convention. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Liu Xiaowei, professor at the South-Western Institute for Astronomy Research of Yunnan University (YNU), led a delegation to take part in the 30th International Astronomical Union (IAU), which was held in Vienna, Austria from Aug 20 to 31.

More than 3,000 representatives from 89 countries and regions attended the event. 

Professor Liu is the vice-chairman of the executive committee of the union. In 2015, Liu was elected the chairman of the advisory committee of IAU, which is responsible for the operation of the Office for Young Astronomers established by IAU and the Norwegian Academy of Sciences. 

One of the responsibilities of the office was to help operate the International Schools for Young Astronomers. Since taking the post, Liu helped select qualified presidents and vice-presidents for the school, amend the bilateral agreements between IAU and the Norway Academy of Sciences and win more financial support for the school. 

In 2016 and 2018, Liu went to Teheran and Cairo to lecture on astronomy to young audiences. 

At the invitation of the organizing committee of the convention, Liu delivered a report titled The China Crisis. As the vice-chairman of the executive committee of the union, he also took part in various meetings, seminars, and the ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary of IAU, along with other activities. 

Huang Yang, associate professor of astronomy at YNU, was honored at the first doctoral paper competition organized by IAU. Chen Bingqiu and Liu Xiangkun, associate professors at the university presented their research findings using posters at two seminars of the conference. 

The South-Western Institute for Astronomy Research also showcased its current research program of the Multi-channel Photometric Survey Telescope during the convention. 

The conference received membership applications from several countries, including Cyprus, Jordan, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, 1,248 individual membership applications were received.

The International Astronomical Union is an NGO established in July 1919. Its purpose is to organize international academic exchanges, promote international cooperation and promote the development of astronomical sciences.

China Astronomical Society joined the organization in 1935.

Huang Yang (L), associate professor of astronomy at Yunnan University, receives a certificate to honor his doctoral paper that was submitted to the conference. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]