Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is with great honor and pleasure that we invite you to attend the 13th Asian-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM 2017), which will be held at the International Convention Center in Taipei, Taiwan during July 3-7, 2017.  Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan, and is vibrant with many attractions that can be reached with convenient public transportations.  The International Convention Center is located next to the landmark skyscraper Taipei 101.

Asian-Pacific Regional IAU Meetings are authorized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) with the aim to promote scientific activity and collaboration in the Asian-Pacific region.  This is the first APRIM meeting to be held in Taiwan as previous APRIMs were successfully held in Daejeon, Korea (2014); Chiang Mai, Thailand (2011); Kunming, China (2008); Bali, Indonesia (2005); Tokyo, Japan (2002); Pusan, Korea (1996); Pune, India (1993); Sydney, Australia (1990); Beijing, China (1987); Kyoto, Japan (1984); Bandung, Indonesia (1981); and Wellington, New Zealand (1978).

Astronomy in Taiwan has grown exponentially in the past 25 years.  The number of PhDs working in astronomy and astrophysics related fields has reached ~200!  We are participating in forefront facilities such as ALMA, Subaru, CFHT, and SMA and international projects such as HSC, PFS, iPTF, MANGA, LSST, COSI, etc.  In addition, we are leading the TAOS2 and Greenland Telescope projects, and the development and production of Band 1 receivers for ALMA.

The astronomy community of Taiwan enthusiastically welcomes astronomer colleagues and friends to attend APRIM 2017 and visit Taiwan. 
APRIM 2017 will be organized with the following broad themes:
(1) Planetary Systems, Solar and Extrasolar
(2) Interstellar Medium, Star Formation, and Milky Way
(3) Stellar Evolution and Feedback
(4) Galaxies, AGNs, and Cosmology
(5) Compact Objects and High Energy Astrophysics
(6) Observing Facilities and International Collaboration 
(7) Public Education, Outreach, and Diversity 

APRIM 2017 will provide an excellent opportunity for us to rekindle friendship, initiate new collaboration, and learn from one another.  The success of this meeting relies on your active support and participation.  We most sincerely hope that you will attend APRIM 2017 and encourage your colleagues to attend as well.  We look forward to welcoming you in Taipei in 2017 and helping you to discover the beauty and wonder of Formosa.

You-Hua Chu, Albert Kong, and Shiang-Yu Wang
On behalf of the SOC and LOC