In October 2008 the member organisations of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) approved a new initiative to actively engage, inspire and support the next generation of students and young professionals to prepare them to be the future leaders of the international space community.

As part of this initiative the IAF has begun a new programme to provide travel grants and related support that enable students and young space professionals to participate in IAF activities, in particular the International Astronautical Congress. Attached please find an announcement for the IAC 2009 Youth Grants Programme to support the participation of ten students and young professionals in the 60th International Astronautical Congress in Daejeon, Republic of Korea in October 2009.

This new Youth Grants Programme is open to individuals between the ages of 21 and 33 on 1 January 2009. Candidates may apply regardless of their home country or current residence. While all applications will be considered, the IAF through this programme seeks to encourage applications from candidates in nations with emerging space capabilities and interests who would otherwise not be able to attend an International Astronautical Congress.

Further information on the programme can be found on the IAF web site at http://www.iafastro.org/index.php?id=632.