The Young Astronomer's Meet (YAM) is an annual gathering of PhD students working in astronomy and astrophysics across India. First organized by NCRA/IUCAA in the spring of 1992, the event was envisioned as a platform to bring together India’s young and vibrant Astronomy and Astrophysics community. Over the years, YAM has become a highly anticipated event that has been hosted by multiple institutions nationwide. It provides an invaluable opportunity for PhD students to present their research, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations with peers and mentors from across the country. This conference is critical in strengthening the scientific network among PhD researchers and nurturing the next generation of astronomers. The ASI actively supports the YAM as it provides a unique forum for the budding astronomers of the country.

The ASI invites proposals for YAM with the following guidelines regarding the organisation of the YAM.

  1. The ASI will provide limited financial assistance towards the organisation of YAM, and the host institution(s) is/are expected to cover the rest. The financial assistance sought from ASI must be clearly mentioned in the proposal. The YAM support from the ASI will be contingent to the funds available with the ASI.
  2. Based on the proposals received against the ASI’s call for proposals for the organization for YAM, one proposal will be shortlisted per year.
  3. The eligible participants are PhD/I-PhD candidates (must not have defended their thesis) in various fields of Astronomy and Astrophysics, and are registered at Indian Universities and Institutes.
  4. The YAM proposal should be submitted by a mentor-faculty member from the Institution that is proposing to host YAM. The guiding faculty from the proposing team should be the main point of contact - and should be a Life Member of ASI.
  5. The duration of the meeting should be between 3-4 days.
  6. To ensure participation in the meeting, a nominal fee can be collected from participants which will be reimbursed after their participation in the meeting.
  7. The program should include plenary / review talks by a few experts in the field.
  8. Accommodation and Travel support should be provided to the participants by the organizers.
  9. The proposed venue is expected to have all the relevant facilities for organising the meeting.
  10. The YAM should not be scheduled within 2 months before or after the dates of the annual ASI meeting.
  11. A meeting poster should be prepared for wide circulation. This should be shared with Secretary-ASI before sending out the announcement.
  12. The organizers should maintain a website for the meeting. The important aspects to be included on the website can be found from the link.
  13. The website link and the announcement text should be shared with the Secretary, ASI before sharing the first announcement with all.
  14. The host(s) are required to submit a report of the meeting in the prescribed format which can be found from the link - that includes details of the talks, discussions and pictures of the event, within one month following the organisation of the meeting.
  15. ASI encourages gender and regional diversity in all activities related to the meeting.
  16. The organizers are expected to share the fund utilization certificate which includes the statement of expenditure after the meeting. The unspent balance should be transferred back to the ASI.