I. General Assembly and Council General Assembly

Chairman: Paulo Ho (Academia Sinica)

Members:

Nicole Bell (Univ. Melbourne)
Richard Easther (Univ. Auckland)
Jai-Chan Hwang (CTPU-IBS)
Guey-Lin Lin (National Chiao-Tung Univ.)
Kin-Wang Ng (Academia Sinica)
Changbom Park (KIAS)
Takahiro Tanaka (Kyoto Univ.)
Xerxes Tata (Univ. Hawaii)
Zhi-Zhong Xing (IHEP, CAS)
Masahide Yamaguchi (CTPU-IBS)
Kaixuan Ni (Univ. California San Diego)
Joel Francisco Saavedra Alvear (Pontificia Univ. Catolica Valparaiso)
Ue-Li Pen (Academia Sinica)

Council
President: Bin Wang, (2024-2026), Vice President: Ue-Li Pen (2024-2026)
Members: 
Sang Pyo Kim (Ex Officio, Kunsan National University)
Raymond Volkas (Univ. Melbourne)
Pisin Chen (National Taiwan Univ.)
Kiwoon Choi (CTPU-IBS)
Xiao-Gang He (Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.)
Kazunori Kohri (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan)
Bo-Qiang Ma (Peking Univ.)
David Wiltshire (Univ. Canterbury)
Jun’ichi Yokoyama (University of Tokyo)

History
Previous leaders of the AP CosPA Organization:
2011-2013:
W-Y Pauchy Hwang (President), Jun’ichi Yokoyama (Vice President), Raymond Volkas (Chairman)
2014-2016:
Jun’ichi Yokoyama (President), Raymond Volkas (Vice President), Sang Pyo Kim (Chairman)
2017-2019:
Raymond Volkas (President), Sang Pyo Kim (Vice President), Bin Wang (Chairman)
2020-2023 (one year extended due to COVID-19)
Sang Pyo Kim (President), Bin Wang (Vice President), Paul Ho (Chairman)

II. Constitution
The file is attached separately

In the Asia-Pacific region, physicists are studying the universe in many ways, including：

1). Connecting theoretical models for the very early universe — cosmic inflation or an alternative scenario — with observable effects. Whatever happened in the first split-second after the Big Bang, it occurred while the universe was opaque to light, so physicists have to infer its properties indirectly. Some effects might show up in the CMB, while others might be visible in the large-scale structure of the universe. Inflation leaves an imprint on the fluctuations of mass and energy in the universe, which grow as spacetime expands.

2). Looking for signs of the first stars in the universe. These were likely much more massive than the average star around today, which made them unstable. The supernova explosions of these stars might be observable even that far away, either directly or indirectly through its effects on early galaxies.

3). Mapping the positions of galaxies to reconstruct the effects of dark energy. The Baryon Oscillation Survey in optical and radio wavelengths are ongoing projects to map baryon acoustic oscillations and understand the universe, from dark age, reionization to the acceleration.

4). Tracing the structure of galaxies as produced by dark matter, examining the dark matter property and also neutrino property through underground experiments. The next-generation Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and many underground experiments will provide a new realm for observing the effects of dark matter neutrinos.

5) Examining the exotic structure, the black hole and other compact stars in the universe. Black holes harbour some of the most remarkable predictions of General Relativity. The ground detection of gravitational waves marks a new era to test models of black hole formation, growth and evolution, models of gravitational-wave generation and propagation. Future gravitational wave observations on the ground and in the space will provide evidence for event horizons and ergoregions, test the theory of General Relativity, and may reveal the existence of new fundamental fields.

1) Symposium on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (CosPA):
The previous CosPA meetings were held at
1.    Taipei 2002 
2.    Taipei 2003
3.    Taipei 2006
4.    Taipei 2007
5.    Pohang 2008
6.    Melbourne 2009
7.    Tokyo 2010
8.    Beijing 2011
9.    Hsinju 2012
10.    Honolulu 2013
11.    Auckland 2014
12.    Daejeon 2015
13.    Sydney 2016
14.    Kyoto 2017
15.    Yangzhou 2018
16.    Kuching 2019
17.    Hongkong 2023
18.    Ningbo 2024
19.    Daejeon 2025
20.    Christchurch 2026

2) Schools on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics: 
1. RESCEU APCosPA Summer School on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics 
2014 Matsumoto
2. 2015 Kinugawa 
3. 2016 Takayama

4. 2011 Summer schools in Taipei

5. 2012 Summer schools in Taipei

6. 2013 Summer schools in Taipei

1） Pauchy Award

1. The Pauchy Award was established in 2024 by the AP CosPA Organization to memorialize the late Professor Woei-Yann Pauchy Hwang for his significant contributions to weak interaction physics and to promoting physics research and education in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, Professor Hwang initiated the CosPA Symposia in 2002, which has become an important forum for cosmology and particle astrophysics colleagues in the Asia-Pacific region to gather annually. The Pauchy Award is made possible by generous donations by friends of Professor Pauchy Hwang. It will be awarded annually to recognize exemplary achievement in cosmology and particle astrophysics research by an outstanding student or postdoc whose research work is done primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.

2. Eligibility:

Postdocs or graduate students working in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics affiliated with an institute in the Asia-Pacific region (members of AAPPS: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taipei, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam) within three years of the annual CosPA meeting may apply or be nominated (preferred).

3. Application/nomination procedure:

Applicant/nominee should email a CV and a summary of the applicant’s research achievements (maximum two A4 pages) to the Pauchy Award Committee of the AP CosPA Council (see contact below), and arrange to have three nomination/recommendation letters sent to the Pauchy Award Committee. The deadline for application is four months before the annual CosPA meeting.

4. The Pauchy Award Committee recommends the award winner to the AP CosPA Council based solely on academic achievements. The Pauchy Award will be presented at the CosPA meeting, and the awardee will be invited to give a talk and receive the award at the CosPA meeting. AP CosPA reserves the right not to present the award if there is no suitable candidate.

Pauchy Award Committee Members: Ming-Chung Chu (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Masahide Yamaguchi (IBS Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe(Particle Theory and Cosmology Group)), Raymond Volkas (The University of Melbourne), Chang Feng (University of Science and Technology of China), and Stefano Scopel (Sogang University). Nomination/application can be sent to Ming-chung Chu at mcchu@cuhk.edu.hk or any Pauchy Award Committee members.

[Benefactors]:  Sang Pyo Kim, Jen-Chieh Peng, Pauchy Hwang’s friends and family   

2) CosPA Awards:
CosPA awards were established to encourage young graduate students  in the research field of Gravitation, Cosmology and Particle-Astrophysics.

[Selection Committee and Selection Process]:  Chosen by the organization committee of each CosPA symposium

[Benefactors]:  Local organizer of each CosPA symposium
 

1) Future Activities:
2025, Korea, CosPA 2025 Conference information https://indico.ibs.re.kr/event/871/

2) Call for application for Pauchy Award and CosPA Award

 

1) Scope:
Cosmology and astroparticle physics are some of the most active and inspiring areas of the physical sciences. The Asia-Pacific Organization of Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics promotes a common goal as APCTP, ‘development of fundamental physics research in the Asia-Pacific region’ in cooperation with member countries and regions and partner institutes. The AP CosPA Org focuses on advancing the research in cosmology and particle astrophysics, contributes to the human understanding of the universe. 

2) Member:  

Constitution for Asia Pacific Center/Organization for Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics

1. NAME

The name of this organization is Asia Pacific Center for Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (APCosPA); hereafter referred to as “the APCosPA Center” or simply “the Center.”

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1. The Center aims at promoting the advancement of knowledge in cosmology and particle astrophysics in the Asia Pacific region, including research, application and teaching, especially through international collaboration in these activities in this region.

2.2. To further these aims, the Center may, upon the authorization of the Council, organize conferences, workshops, and schools, and publish newsletters and journals.

3. SITE

Initially the Center is located in Taipei; should it be necessary, the Council could decide to the location after a period of time with 2/3 majority of the Council members. For the benefit of everyone, the option of opening another closely-connected center in other region should be encouraged.

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1. Institutions dedicated to this field or the related area in physics or astrophysics can become Members of this Center; there may be some due-paying individual members but not from the member institutions.

4.2. Institutions listed in Appendix A are the Founding Members.

4.3. Asia Pacific is defined, in the first instance, as the region bounded by Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand and additional countries or regions within this rim.

4.4. Membership is open to Institutions that devote to the advancement of the knowledge in cosmology and/or particle astrophysics. Institutions that are not specifically focus on cosmology and/or particle astrophysics, but have members doing research or teaching in this field, are also eligible to be a Member.

4.5. Council shall consider applications from Institutions for membership and may, by majority vote, admit an applicant as a Member.

4.6. Council may, by a two-third majority, terminate the Membership of any Institution.

5. GENERAL ASSEMBLY

5.1. The General Assembly is the legislative branch of the Center. The General Assembly is “defined” to be those selected from the well-attended Annual CosPA Symposium audience; each country or region would be no more than three persons, upon approval by the Council.

5.2. The responsibilities of the General Assembly are to approve and revise the Constitution of the Center, to approve or remove Membership, to elect Chairman, Councilors and Officers, and to determine matters of fundamental importance to the commonwealth of the Center.

5.3. Each Institution Member is eligible to nominate one Representative to the General Assembly. Such nomination must be in writing, be signed by the person in charge of the Member institution, and must reach the Secretary of the Center at least one month before the General Assembly.

5.4. The Center shall hold General Assembly once every three years. It shall elect a Council as its standing committee. The responsibilities of the Council are defined in Item 6.

5.5. The General Assembly shall elect a Chairman who will preside over the General Assembly and the Council.

5.6. The General Assembly shall elect Officers, namely, a President and a Vice-President, to execute the decisions made by the Council. The responsibilities of the Officersare defined in Item 7.

5.7. The time and location of the General Assembly shall be determined by the Council. All Members should be notified of the General Assembly at least three months in advance.

5.8. In case of urgent matter, the Chairman may call an Extraordinary General Assembly at such date and place as the Council shall determine, and all Members shall be notified immediately and at least three months in advance.

5.9. Council may invite other individuals to attend the General Assembly as observers without the voting right.

6. COUNCIL

6.1. The Council is the standing committee of the General Assembly. It consists of Elected, Appointed and Non-Voting Councilors. The Council shall approve or disapprove annual operational and budgetary plans and other major decisions proposed by the President for the Center.

6.2. The Council shall consist of no more than 9 and no fewer than 5 Representatives as Elected Councilors, to be selected by the General Assembly and will serve for three years, from the beginning of the following year of the General Assembly until the end of the year of the next General Assembly.

6.3. The Chairman of the General Assembly shall also be the Chairman of the Council.

6.4. The President and the Vice-President shall be Appointed Councilors with full voting rights.

6.5. The Secretary appointed according to Clause (7.11), if not already an elected Councilor under Clause (6.2), shall be an Appointed Councilor, with full voting rights.

6.6. The Treasurer appointed according to Clause (7.11), if not already an elected Councilor under Clause (6.2), shall be a Non-Voting Councilor.

6.7. Council may co-opt individuals from Member Institutions, or from the individual members, to fill vacancies that result from the resignation of the Councilors. 

6.8. The outgoing President shall be an Ex Officio Councilor for one term, with full voting rights.

7. OFFICERS

7.1. The Officers is the executive branch of the Center. The Officers shall be: the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary and the Treasurer. Their terms are three years.

7.2. The President and Vice-President shall be elected by the General Assembly among its own Members, and shall hold office during the term of the Council.

7.3. The primary responsibility of the President is to propose annual operational and budgetary plans to the Council for its approval, and to execute the plans to the best interest of the Center.

7.4. The President shall represent the Center in all external affairs, including but not limited to fundraising, signing formal agreements with other organizations, making formal public announcements on behalf of the Center.

7.5. The Vice-President also serves as the President-Elect, who will become the President after serving one term as Vice-President, unless a two-thirds majority of the Council and a simple majority of the General Assembly vote against such.

7.6. The primary responsibility of the Vice-President is to assist the President to execute the operation of the Center.

7.7. The outgoing President shall not be eligible for re-election as President or Vice-President, but shall continue to serve on the Council as Past-President and Ex Officio Councilor for one term.

7.8. The President or Vice-President may be removed by a two-third majority of Council and ratified by the General Assembly by a simple majority.

7.10. If the office of the President becomes vacant for any reason, the Vice-President shall become the President and the General Assembly shall elect a new Vice-President to finish the remaining term and to continue for the next term.

7.11. The President shall propose candidates for Secretary and Treasurer under the approval of the Council.

7.12. The Secretary or Treasurer may be removed by a simple majority of the Council. The President shall then propose new candidates for Secretary and/or Treasurer and appoint them to the respective offices after the approval by the Council.

7.13. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the record of the activities of the Center.

7.14. The Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping the accounts of the Center, and shall submit a financial report annually to the Council for approval. A financial report duly audited by an independent auditor appointed by the Council shall also be submitted to the General Assembly for approval.

8. FINANCE

8.1. The fiscal year shall start on the 1st of January and end on the 31st of December of the same calendar year.

8.2. Each Member Institution will, on the voluntarily basis until specified, pay annual membership fee of two unit to the Center, at the start of each fiscal year. Each individual member shall pay one unit of fee annually. The currency and amount of the unit of the membership fee shall be determined by the Council annually three months before the start of the next fiscal year and be notified to Member Institutions and individuals.

8.3. Council and the President shall make effort to raise additional funds in support of the activities of the Center.

9. BYLAWS

Council may establish bylaws.

10. AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION

10.1. Proposals for changes to the Constitution may be made by any Member in writing to the Chairman.

10.2. If the proposal receives majority support within the Council, the Chairman shall

(a) notify all Members immediately in writing and

(b) either schedule the discussion of the motion at the next General Assembly or convene an Extraorπdinary General Assembly.

10.3. Any change to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds majority vote of all those present and eligible to vote at a General Assembly.

APPENDIX A:

University of Melbourne, Australia;

Peking University, China;

Institute of Theoretical Physics, Beijing, China;

Fudan University, Shanghai, China;

University of Tokyo, Japan;

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan;

Kunsan University, Korea;

Hanyang University, Korea;

Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica, Taipei;

Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei;

National Taiwan University, Taipei;

University of Canterbury, New Zealand.