APRIM2026: 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”) Hong Kong, Hong Kong, May 4-8, 2026

Conference details:

The Asia-Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union (IAU) Meeting is a highly anticipated gathering that convenes astronomers, researchers, and enthusiasts from countries across the Asia-Pacific region. This prestigious event provides a platform for the exchange of cutting-edge research, innovative ideas, and collaborative efforts in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Through a series of keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and poster sessions, participants delve into a diverse array of topics encompassing planetary science, stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, cosmology, and observational astronomy. The Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting serves as a catalyst for fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, nurturing emerging talents, and advancing scientific knowledge in the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of astronomy. By facilitating networking opportunities and knowledge sharing among experts and enthusiasts, this meeting plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of astronomical research and exploration in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The Asia-Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union (IAU) Meeting in 2026 will be hosted at Hong Kong University, offering a unique opportunity for space and astrophysics enthusiasts to showcase their research and contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas in the field. Researchers, scientists, and academics are invited to submit abstracts and papers on a wide range of topics within space and astrophysics, including but not limited to planetary science, stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, cosmology, and observational astronomy. This prestigious event will provide a platform for participants to present their work, engage in discussions with peers, and establish valuable connections within the Asia-Pacific astronomy community. The Asia-Pacific IAU 2026 Meeting promises to be a stimulating and enriching experience for all those passionate about exploring the mysteries of the universe.

Announcements:

• First announcement 

Major themes:

• T01: Astronomy Public Outreach and Education - The latest regional program and schemes for engaging the public and students through outreach programs, public lectures, digital media, and observatory sessions will be explored, with a focus on STEM as inspiration and for science literacy.
• T02: Galaxies, AGN and the High Redshift Universe -  Exploring galaxy formation and evolution in the early universe, some challenges from JamesWebb Space Telescope results, and the epoch of reionization.
• T03: High Energy Astrophysics - Studying phenomena around black holes, neutron stars, and supernovae, with a focus on X-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gravitational messengers.
• T04: Gravitational Wave Astronomy - Presenting results from LIGO and next-generation gravitational wave detectors. This new observational window into compact object mergers and extreme astrophysics will be explored in detail including with latest results.
• T05: The life cycle of Stars and their Planets - Theoretical and observational advances on planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, stellar evolution, the ISM, and, importantly, extrasolar planetary systems and prospects for life.
• T06: Radio, mm, and Sub-mm Astronomy - Highlights from facilities like SKA and FAST, recent surveys and interferometric techniques, and breakthroughs across radio wavelengths.
• T07: Astronomical surveys and Time Domain Astronomy - Investigation into current wide-field optical surveys, spectroscopic missions and time-variable sky studies, with emphasis on the new LSST era.
• T08: Upcoming Astronomical Facilities - Future space and ground-based mega-infrastructures, including the ELT, GMT, Roman Space Telescope, and Xuntian. These facilities and their anticipated scientific impact will be discussed.
• T09: Space Sustainability - Addressing threats from satellite mega constellations and space debris; discussions on international policy, optical/radio interference, and orbital ecosystem viability.

Satellite Meeting(s):

• SM01: Lunar and planetary astronomy and space astronomy missions (JWST, CSS, Roman etc) – to be run by PolyU or MUST
• SM02: IPSPACE Education Forum (TBC)

Abstract Submission and Fund Support:

Our SOC will select the abstracts and decide the mode of presentation (TALK/POSTER). 

A limited amount of support is available only for students and researchers from developing countries. The applicant must be the "Presenter of the Paper". The SOC's decision will be final.

Scientific Organizing Committee:

• Prof. Quentin Parker (SOC chair, HKU, HK)
• Prof. Sun Kwok (Canada) 
• Prof. Saeko Hayashi (NOAJ, Japan) 
• Prof. Lister Staveley-Smith (UWA, ICRAR, Australia) 
• Prof. Luis Ho (Kavli Peking Univ., China) 
• Prof. Daniela Calzetti (Massachusetts Univ., USA)
• Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, (IIA, India)
• Prof. You-Hua Chu (ASIAA, Taiwan)
• Prof. Mónica Rubio (Chile Univ., Chile) 
• Prof. Rosa Amelia González López-Lira (UNAM, Mexico) 
• Prof. Hesti Wulandari (ITB, Indonesia)
• Prof. Boris Shustov (INASAN, Russia), 
• Prof. Jean-Paul Knieb (EPFL Switzerland) 
• Prof. Suijian Xue (NAOC, China) 
• Prof. Jongsoo Kim (KASI, South Korea) 
• Prof. Boonsrucksar Soonthornthum (NARIT, Thailand) 
• Assoc. Prof. Karen Pollard (Canterbury Univ, New Zealand) 
• Dr. Lei Hao (SHAO, China) 
• Dr. Diep Ngoc Pham, (National Space Center, Vietnam),
• Prof. Guido Garay, (Chile Univ., Chile)

Venue:

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”)

Contact us: