The IAVCEI will hold its next major scientific conference, the IAVCEI General Assembly, from 27 th June to 8 th July, 2011, as part of IUGG2011, in Melbourne, Australia.

The Organising Committee of the 2011 IUGG General Assembly, on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand scientific communities, invites all IAVCEI members, and all other volcanology and geochemistry researchers world-wide to Melbourne, Australia from 27 th June to 8th July, 2011, to participate in an exciting, multi-disciplinary conference on cutting edge research.

IUGG consists of eight scientific associations, including IAVCEI, but also including the disciplines of seismology (IASPEI), geodesy (IAG), atmospheric science (IAMAS), oceanographic science (IAPSO), cryospheric science (IACS), hydrology (IAHS), and geomagnetism (IAGA). So in addition to the IAVCEI General Assembly, each of the other associations will also organise their own comprehensive program of symposia. However, a highlight of the IUGG General Assembly is the opportunity to organise inter-disciplinary inter-association symposia on topical themes of global significance. The theme for IUGG2011 will be:

“Earth on the Edge: Science for a Sustainable Planet”

The conference will be marked by a comprehensive volcanological and geochemical scientific program on state of the art themes, outstanding plenary and keynote speakers, a program of inter-disciplinary, inter-association symposia addressing major scientific issues of global and regional significance and concern, and a program of PRE- AND POST-CONFERENCE FIELDTRIPS in the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua-New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Zealand and Australia, as well as workshops.

An Early Bird registration fee will be available, as well as a grants scheme to which post-graduate students, young scientists and scientists in need can apply for financial assistance to help in attending the conference.

The conference will be held entirely in the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which was completed in June 2009, and is the most modern convention centre in the world. The convention centre is located on the banks of the scenic Yarra River in the central business district of Melbourne, and is within walking distance, or a short tram, bus or underground ride from accommodation ranging from back-packers and hotels of all standards.

Melbourne is a multi-cultural and friendly city, offering a huge selection of restaurants and cafes with almost every cuisine available. Melbourne has numerous beautiful parks, and is located within 2 kms of the beaches and beach suburbs of Port Phillip Bay. In addition, the area around Melbourne is ideal for day or two day touring or sight-seeing including spectacular coastal scenery and beaches, vineyards, snow skiing, native forests and national parks, a young intra-plate volcanic province, and zoos and nature reserves with Australia's exotic fauna and flora. Australia and New Zealand are also fantastic destinations for holidays and tourism, offering exotic touring opportunities. The indigenous Aboriginal culture of Australia and the Maori culture of New Zealand are unique in the world. The Organizing Committee looks forward to sharing the rich scientific program they are planning for the IAVCEI2011 General Assembly in Melbourne with you, as well as the unique and exotic recreational opportunities Australia and New Zealand offer to participants and their families.

For further information please periodically consult the IUGG2011 website, which will be regularly updated: http://www.iugg2011.com