Andreas Burkert President of the Astronomische Gesellschaft

Professor Andreas Burkert, vice-speaker of the Excellence Cluster ‘Universe’, was elected President of the Astronomische Gesellschaft (AG) at their recent Annual Meeting. The Astronomische Gesellschaft is the largest association of astronomers in Germany and also includes foreign members. A merger of the AG and the Rat der Deutschen Sternwarten (RDS), the official board of German astronomical institutes, is the view of the future.

The President will represent the Astronomische Gesellschaft on a national and international level and coordinate its activities. This includes the organization of scientific conferences, the sponsorship of junior researchers as well as public relations events. A particular focus will be placed on a stronger integration of astronomical subjects in schools. Furthermore, the Astronomische Gesellschaft awards prizes for outstanding scientific achievements and it honors individuals for successfully communicating scientific topics to the general public.

During his 3-year term of office Burkert will concentrate on achieving a wider international awareness for the Astronomische Gesellschaft. Another priority is to consolidate the collaboration with astronomical societies abroad, such as for example the joint Spring Conference with the Royal Astronomical Society next year. He further stated: “We will also heavily promote the media presence of the AG in Germany in the coming years – making the AG first point of contact for all topics in the world of astronomical and space research".