************************************************************************ IERS Message No. 207 February 28, 2012 ************************************************************************ IAU Joint Discussion 7 - Call for presentations IAU Joint Discussion 7 "Space-time reference systems for future research" Call for oral and poster presentations Dear Colleagues, The 28th IAU General Assembly to be held 20-31 August 2012, in Beijing China (http://www.astronomy2012.org/) will include Joint Discussion 7 "Space-time reference systems for future research" (on 27-29 August). The goal of the Joint Discussion is to coordinate ongoing efforts in this field and to develop effective strategies for future cooperative work to ensure that reference systems will be sufficiently accurate to meet the future needs of the international astronomical and space science community. This JD is an opportunity to review currently planned projects devoted to improving reference systems and the links between the various reference frames (e.g. connecting dynamic frames of satellites or spacecraft) to kinematic reference frames (ITRF, ICRF), and to propose future projects designed to meet developing needs, particularly for future astrophysical research work. The scientific program will include the following sessions: Session 1 - Theoretical aspects of reference systems. Session 2 - Space mission requirements. Session 3 - Exoplanet and near-Earth object investigations requirements. Session 4 - Pulsar investigation requirements. Session 5 - Future requirements for products and services. Sessions 6 and 7 - Discussion, Summary and Recommendations. For more details on the organization, key topics and preliminary program, see http://www.referencesystems.info/iau-joint-discussion-7.html that will be updated as the preparation of the JD is progressing. Oral and poster presentations on the above topics are welcome. We strongly encourage you to submit abstract proposals for this Joint Discussion. Registration and Abstract submission must be done through the IAU 28th General Assembly web site, at: http://www.astronomy2012.org/. Note that the deadline for abstract submission and early registration has been extended to 17 March 2012. We hope that you will be able to participate in this JD and look forward to seeing you in Beijing. Please forward this message to any colleagues who might be interested. Nicole Capitaine, Sergei Klioner, and Dennis McCarthy Chairs of IAU JD7 Scientific Organizing Committee ************************************************************************ IERS Messages are edited and distributed by the IERS Central Bureau. If not stated otherwise, the IERS is only the distributor of the message and is not responsible for its content. To submit texts for distribution and to subscribe or unsubscribe, please write to . Archives: http://www.iers.org/Messages/ ************************************************************************