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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Dear Esteemed Colleagues:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">We would like to draw your attention to the following announcement<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">(apologies if you receive more than one copy).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Please distribute to all interested colleagues.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Junichi Watanabe (NAOJ), on behalf of the LOC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">***************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">1st announcement of the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM 2023)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">August 7-11, 2023, hybrid (in-person at Koriyama, Japan plus online)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ps1SC6XQ4LfoDQONJu6pSaF?domain=aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com">https://www.aprim2023.org/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Main topic of this announcement: Rationale, Venue, Important dates<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">***************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">RATIONALE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">We are pleased to invite you all to the 2023 Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM 2023) in Japan at the BIG PALETTE FUKUSHIMA in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, from August 7 to August
11, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Taking place once every three years, APRIM is one of the largest regional meetings of the IAU, where astronomers in the Asia-Pacific region gather to discuss common scientific interests and contribute
to astronomy advancement internationally. New Zealand hosted the first APRIM in 1978, and since then, the meeting has been held regularly until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation. Japan has hosted this IAU Regional meeting twice, in 1984
in Kyoto and 2002 in Tokyo. 2023 will be the third APRIM held in Japan. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">For this edition, we are planning to provide the participants with an enriched full IAU experience while making a significant impact in the astronomy and related science in the region through
international collaboration. By being mindful of regional and national contexts in this diverse communities in Aria-Pacific region, we strive to make this APRIM 2023 Japan be respectful, tolerant and inclusive throughout all its discussions, thus promote competitiveness
in research and bring innovation through regional collaborations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">APRIM2023 will be one of the first large regional conferences in astronomy after the pandemic, and we all will be cautious in its implementation drawn from recent lessons learnt from the international
community and the previous experience in organizing hybrid and accessible meetings. The LOC wishes APRIM 2023 to be a relevant and impacting experience for both participants online and onsite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Additionally, we are honored that Fukushima Prefecture was selected as the venue, aiming to support the recovery from the earth-quake accompanied by the major nuclear power plant disaster in 2011.
We wish that this hosting area also reflects meaningfully on the participants' personal experience: by visiting the 'tsunami afflicted' area and meeting first-hand the community that is hosting us; and to participate in astrotourism and astrophotography activities
under the mesmerizing dark skies of Fukushima.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Although we are still in a difficult situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the LOC has diligently started all preparations in hopes of giving you a warm and friendly welcome to APRIM 2023 Japan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">SESSION: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The session will be decided by the SOC based on those planned for APRIM2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">VENUE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting 2023 (APRIM 2023) will be held from August 7-11, 2023, at the BIG PALETTE FUKUSHIMA in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/UA6SC81V0PTjrnvGgTMrK_P?domain=aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com">https://www.big-palette.jp/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Fukushima Prefecture is located on the Pacific Ocean side in the Tohoku (literally north-east) region of Japan. Fukushima is famous for its beautiful nature, fruits and rice grown in that area,
delicious sake (alcohol drink), hot springs, traditional crafts such as Aizu-nuri. There are beautiful mountains and lakes, and there is a starry sky.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">In 2011, the Tohoku region, including Fukushima, suffered from a big earthquake, followed by a tsunami, a huge tidal wave (more than nine meters in maximum) at the ocean side. The tsunami has
caused the ocean-faced nuclear power plant disaster, as you already know. Even today, the people in Fukushima continue their efforts for reconstruction and decontamination.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">You can learn the work that has been done within Fukushima post-disaster and general background into the prefecture through the brochure in multiple languages prepared by the Fukushima local government.
<a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/h5EjC0YKPvi286oxzi3O_CT?domain=aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com">
https://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/sec/16005e/pamphlet.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Koriyama City is located at the Naka-dori (Central region) of Fukushima Prefecture. You can reach Koriyama Station from Tokyo in 80 minutes by Shinkansen (high-speed train). You can find out more
about Koriyama in the brochure <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ONaZCgZ0N1ilkV03JcZ9Wa-?domain=kanko-koriyama.gr.jp">https://www.kanko-koriyama.gr.jp/Templates/Files/pamphlet/2018/guide_en.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The conference site BIG PALETTE FUKUSHIMA is located at approx. 4 km from Koriyama Station in 15 minutes by bus, 10 minuets by taxi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">IMPORTANT DATES:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">2023/01/16 Open for abstract submission and registration<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">2023/03/10 Deadline for abstract submission and financial support application<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">2023/05/31 Deadline for early registration<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">2023/06/01 Visa application deadline<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">2023/08/07 Meeting start<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">CONFERENCE WEB PAGE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"> <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/HafdC5QPXJi0vqjJ1uzhbCO?domain=aprim2023.org/">https://www.aprim2023.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"> Further detailed information will be available and be timely updated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">CONTACT:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/IeybCjZ1N7ij9p5r0TxGw9e?domain=aprim2023.org">https://www.aprim2023.org/inquiry</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">-- <br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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**************************************************</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="apple-converted-space" style="margin:0cm;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: auto;text-align:start;widows: auto;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing:0px">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">A/Prof<span class="searchhighlight"> </span>Barbara Catinella</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">Principal Research Fellow</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="apple-converted-space" style="margin:0cm;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: auto;text-align:start;widows: auto;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing:0px">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="apple-converted-space" style="margin:0cm;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: auto;text-align:start;widows: auto;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing:0px">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">The University of Western Australia</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="apple-converted-space" style="margin:0cm;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: auto;text-align:start;widows: auto;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing:0px">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">E-mail: <a href="mailto:barbara.catinella@uwa.edu.au" title="mailto:barbara.catinella@uwa.edu.au"><span style="color:#954F72">barbara.catinella@uwa.edu.au</span></a></span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="apple-converted-space" style="margin:0cm;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: auto;text-align:start;widows: auto;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing:0px">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">Office: +61 8 6488 7760</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Courier;color:#7F7F7F">**************************************************</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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