Summary of IAU Joint Siscussion 16, "The International Celestial Reference System, Maintenance and Future Realizations

The IAU Joint Discussion 16 (JD16) was held in conjunction with the XXVth General Assembly in July, 2003. Papers related to the maintenance of the International Celestial Reference System were presented in the one-day session, and these were followed by discussion that pointed out the need for standard nomenclature. This issue was addressed by the formation of a Division 1 Working Group on the subject. JD16 also pointed out the requirement for a dynamical expression for precession which was addressed by the creation of a Division I Working Group on Precession and the Ecliptic. It also showed that although plans are being implemented to provide reference frames for the future, there is a need for improved coordination of astrometric observations. Finally it should be noted that the discussion pointed out the concern for the future organization of IAU Division 1.