ISSI exhibition at IAU 2024
The world of astronomy assembled in South Africa🇿🇦, for the first time.
ISSI was there, too.
For the very first time, the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) made an unforgettable appearance at the IAU General Assembly 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa! With our passion for space science research and our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary international collaboration, we were thrilled to connect with the global astronomical community in such a dynamic setting.
Our booths (one on-site and one on-line) became hubs of activity, welcoming not only long-time ISSI friends—scientists who have visited us in Bern—but also a wave of new faces eager to learn about the unique opportunities ISSI offers. Visitors were delighted by the ISSI goodies we handed out, which included everything from stylish lanyards and handy pens to our knowledge-packed hardcover books from the SSSI, Space Science Series of ISSI. And of course, no Swiss exhibition would be complete without delicious Swiss chocolate, which proved to be a crowd favourite!
The booth was more than just a display; it was an experience. A screen showcased the ISSI facility in Bern and our engaging ISSIcast video series, capturing the attention of everyone who passed by. Our booth’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere was a testament to the fantastic work of the event organisers around Kevin Govender—truly a standout setup! In fact, the entire organisation of the general assembly—and how it placed Africa’s space science and scientists close to the heart of astronomy—was out of this world. Kevin Govender set out to connect space scientists, and he did. This deserves the community’s and our gratitude:
Thank you !
Among the 3,000+ participants, all exhibitors had the honour of welcoming Nomalungela Gina, the Deputy Minister of the Science and Innovation Department of South Africa to the exhibition hall. The booth also drew in many of the more than 500 bright-eyed Capetonian schoolchildren, who were undoubtedly inspired by the wonders of space science.
ISSI’s presence at the IAU General Assembly 2024 was more than just an exhibition—it was a celebration of our mission to connect space scientists across the globe, creating a neutral and inclusive environment where collaboration thrives. We can’t wait to see what new partnerships and exciting projects emerge from this incredible event!
If you are interested in meeting- and collaboration funding, you can apply here and stay up-to-date about new and open calls by subscribing to our newsletter.
Finally, our heartfelt congratulations goes out to our own Prof. Dr. Willy Benz, chair of the ISSI Board of Trustees, for becoming IAU president. – To the future of IAU and the next general assembly in Rome, Italy, in 2027! 🚀
