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               Dynamical Evolution of Dense Stellar Systems   
            International Astronomical Union Symposium n. 246
	            5-9 September 2007, Capri-Italy

	                   FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

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Scientific Rationale:
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Dense stellar systems are an interface between dynamics, stellar
evolution, formation of galaxies and provide us with an ideal 
laboratory to understand many different aspects of these important
fields as well as to explore the interplay between them. A wealth of
observational data have now provided firm observational evidence
showing that the dynamical evolution  of a cluster, its structural and
kinematical properties, the properties of its stellar population, the 
abundance of exotic objects such as pulsars, X-rays sources, blue
stragglers are closely related to each other: a full understanding of
the evolution of  star clusters can not be reached without properly
considering the interplay between stellar dynamics and stellar
evolution. An equally large amount of observational data from studies
focusing on star  cluster systems in the Galaxy and in external
galaxies have allowed us to explore the dependence of a number of
properties  of globular cluster systems on the type and the properties
of the host galaxy. These studies have convincingly shown that the 
role played by the host galaxy in the formation and evolution of star
clusters is an important additional element along with the effects of
stellar dynamics, stellar evolution and their complex interplay.   

The complete study of the formation and evolution of star clusters is
a very challenging task which requires the collaboration and the 
exchange of ideas of astronomers and physicists with observational and
theoretical expertise in Galactic and extra-galactic astronomy,
stellar dynamics, hydrodynamics and stellar evolution. Expertise on
the development of special-purpose hardware and software and, more in
general, on many aspects of computational physics also plays a key
role in this endeavor.  

This symposium will cover all the aspects of the study of star
clusters with particular emphasis on the interplay between them and on
the comparison between observations and simulations. 



Scientific Topics:
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1) Stellar cluster formation and early evolution
2) Young clusters in external galaxies, in starburst galaxies and mergers
3) Few-body stellar systems
4) Open and Globular Clusters: Observations, simulations and
comparison between observations and simulations
5) Interplay between binary dynamics and evolution and stellar cluster
dynamical evolution
6) Exotic stellar populations
7) Galactic and extra-galactic  globular cluster systems
8) Computational aspects of simulations of dense stellar systems


Organization:
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SOC:
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S.Aarseth, H.Baumgardt, C.Boily, M.Giersz, D.Heggie, P.Hut,
V.Kalogera, J.Makino, R.Mardling, S.McMillan, G.Meylan, 
S.Mikkola, S.Portegies Zwart, F.Rasio, A.Sills, R.Spurzem, 
M.Trenti, E.Vesperini(Chair)   

LOC: E.Ferraro, A.Pecoraro(co-Chair), M.Trenti(co-Chair)
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Scientific Program:
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There will be a number of invited talks (see the conference website
for the list of invited speakers), contributed talks and posters.
See the conference website ( http://www.physics.drexel.edu/~iaus246 )
for information on abstract submission. 

==> Abstract submission deadline to be considered for an oral presentation:
==> April 20, 2007


The proceedings of the symposium will be published by Cambridge
University Press. 


Location:
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The symposium will be held in the Conference Center of the island of
Capri (Italy). 
Capri is a small beautiful island about 120 miles south of Rome.


Celebration:
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The Symposium will be in honor of Douglas C. Heggie and it will be the
occasion to celebrate his 60th birthday.


Registration:
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The conference will be open to about 200 participants.
***Registration is already open.***

Please visit the conference website at

http://www.physics.drexel.edu/~iaus246

for information about registration and to download the registration
fee payment form.


Financial support:
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We have IAU funds to support part of the travel, lodging and
registration costs of  some participants. 

Please see the symposium website for additional information on how to
apply for IAU financial support (please notice that the application
form has to be sent to the SOC Chair).

===> DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR IAU FINANCIAL SUPPORT: March 1, 2007 <===


Additional Information:
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See the symposium website http://www.physics.drexel.edu/~iaus246

or send an e-mail to:  iaus246@physics.drexel.edu


Enrico Vesperini 
-On behalf of the SOC