2024 combined IARU Presidents’ and Senior Officers’ Meeting highlights
This year the IARU Presidents and Senior Officers convened at Yale University from 10-12 June 2024 for the combined IARU Presidents’ and Senior Officers’ Meeting to discuss key organisational, research, and strategic priorities.
On the first day, the Senior Officers’ Meeting commenced with key updates from the Secretariat, covering the handover period, budget cycle, and the new meeting model. Discussions also addressed IARU business, including updates on groups and initiatives, plans for the online Senior Officers’ Meeting in September 2024, and decisions on hosting future meetings. The day concluded with an informal dinner at Harvest, fostering networking and camaraderie among participants.
The Presidents’ Meeting began on day two with a welcome by IARU Chair, Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy. The morning featured a Presidents’ Roundtable followed by discussions on interdisciplinary research led by Professor Nicholas Turk-Browne. Afternoon sessions focused on IARU business, including financial updates, and an exploration of global health challenges led by Professor Megan Ranney, Dean of Yale School of Public Health. Delegates then enjoyed a tour of the remarkable Peabody Museum before concluding the day with dinner at Kline Tower, hosted by Yale’s Vice-Provost for Research, Mike Crair.
The final day began with a tour of the Yale University Art Gallery led by Stephanie Wiles. This was followed by discussions on the role of higher education in catalysing planetary solutions, presented by Julie Zimmerman, and AI ethics, led by Luciano Floridi. The meeting concluded with a review of outstanding items from the Senior Officers’ Meeting, a closing lunch, and a campus tour.
This three-day gathering reinforced collaboration among IARU members, highlighted emerging research priorities, and laid the groundwork for future initiatives and engagements.