↓Skip to main content

Fwd: 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM2026) Hong Kong 4-8 May

Dear Colleagues,

I was asked to circulate the following announcement. While the original deadline for the abstract submission has passed, the organisers actually extended the deadline until February 25th, 2026, so you could still submit your abstract.

cheers, Nagayoshi

———- Forwarded message ——— From: APRIM2026 Organising Committees iau-announcements@iau.ccsend.com Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2025 at 00:16 Subject: 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM2026) Hong Kong 4-8 May To: ohashi@asiaa.sinica.edu.tw

Latest News From the IAU

2026 ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL IAU MEETING (APRIM 2026)

APRIM2026 Organising Committee

2026 Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM2026) Hong Kong 4-8 May

Advancing global frontier research and cross-regional collaboration in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science

Dates: 4-8 May 2026

Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

Registration: https://aprim2026.org/registration/ https://np5meuhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VMlbWQXWpUCPATeHENYi4VmXnZgadtdOBo05FOH7d6MOQMkqemO4xZdm_Giee-8YBsGqwD20F1Irm-1EBb271RHPnV-_zQf7D3-XUlnEHxzkb4NVHLxixglxO9Ml5S5Bmw2z1qkNOsUNv-ZICCkX4l6UK3-LtyQH_CTCqzWff4Q=&c=ANaVNC6-ywyVxn4PJSvqgftPhyx34S6amPJ8fhYEcuP7at93HiqttQ==&ch=B4DTua8AFep3QU_SCWlL58w60gcOjiXYcs-N6SuOGMatKXpDHFsjXA==

APRIM is held every three years and is among the most important meetings held by the IAU. Since its inaugural session in New Zealand in 1978, it has been hosted in countries including Japan, China, and India. The conference serves as a vital platform for advancing astronomical research and fostering international collaboration across the Asia-Pacific.

APRIM2026 is expected to attract 500–1,000 participants from around the world, including astronomers, space scientists, engineers, educators, and policy makers. The programme will feature cutting-edge research and frontier topics such as gravitational waves, exoplanets, galaxy evolution, radio astronomy, public outreach, and space sustainability – reflecting both global priorities and regional strengths.

Conference Highlights

APRIM2026 welcomes participation from a broad spectrum of communities:

  • Scientists and Researchers: Share research findings and build collaborations.
  • Educators and Outreach Professionals: Advance public engagement and STEM education.
  • Students and Early-Career Scholars: Connect with leading experts and explore academic pathways.
  • Engineers and Technical Experts: Discover innovations at the intersection of science and technology.
  • Policy Makers and Institutional Representatives: Join critical discussions on space sustainability and science policy.

The conference exhibition space will also be made accessible to the public, inviting industry representatives, and astronomy enthusiasts to explore interactive displays and the latest advancements in space technology.

Plenary Speakers (in alphabetical order):

We are honoured to announce the following distinguished plenary speakers for APRIM2026:

  • Prof. Matthew Bailes (Shaw Prize Laureate in Astronomy 2023, Swinburne, Australia); Contribution: Discovery of fast radio bursts
  • Prof. Tamara Davis (Professor, University of Queensland, Australia)
  • Prof. Yang Gao (Director of Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability, Co-director of Space Science and Technology Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
  • Prof. Reinhard Genzel (Shaw Prize Laureate in Astronomy, 2008, Nobel Laureate, 2020, MPI Germany); Contribution: Discovery of the supermassive black hole at the centre of our Milky Way
  • Prof. Luis C. Ho (Director, Kavli Institute, Peking University, China); Contribution: Observational astronomy
  • Prof. Hyesung Kang (Pusan National University, South Korea); Contribution: Cosmic rays research; IAUGA 2022 National Organizing Committee chair
  • Prof. Victoria Kaspi (Shaw Prize Laureate 2021, Canada); Contribution: Understanding Magnetars
  • Prof. Shri Kulkarni (Shaw Prize Laureate 2024, Caltech, USA); Contribution: Time-domain astronomy
  • Prof. Max Pettini (Gruber Cosmology Prize 2025, Cambridge, UK); Contribution: Fundamental measurements of deuterium abundance and the baryon density of the universe
  • Dr. Sarah Pearce (SKA-Low Telescope, Australia); Contribution: Low frequency radio astronomy
  • Prof. Laura Perez (New Horizons Prize in Physics 2024, University of Chile) Contribution: Planetary system formation
  • Prof. Brian Schmidt (IAU President-Elect, Shaw Prize Laureate 2006, Nobel Laureate, 2011, Australian National University, Australia); Contribution: Accelerating universe discovery
  • Prof. Lldar Shaikhislamov (Russian Academy of Sciences); Contribution: Exoplanetary atmospheres

These plenary speakers will showcase some of the most remarkable achievements in contemporary astronomy, astrophysics, space science, and cosmology. Stay tuned for further announcements.

Professor Quentin Andrew Parker, Chair, Director of the Laboratory for Space Research and SOC Chair of the APRIM2026 Organising Committee, says:

APRIM2026 is a vital platform to showcase the rising prominence of the Asia-Pacific region in astronomy and space science. Through this conference, we aim to foster cross-regional research collaboration, inspire the next generation of scientists, and advance our understanding of the deep structure and evolution of our Galaxy and the universe.

We are deeply honoured to host this landmark event in Hong Kong, and look forward to welcoming participants from around the world to this vibrant international city as we explore the mysteries of the cosmos together.

Professor Willy Benz, IAU President, says: We are delighted to welcome you to the next IAU Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Hong Kong. Join us to discover the significant contributions that the Asia-Pacific region has made to astronomy, explore the latest advances in pioneering studies, listen to presentations by leading experts and connect with the world’s top researchers.

Key Themes at APRIM2026

APRIM2026 will feature nine thematic tracks reflecting the latest scientific priorities and regional interests:

  • Astronomy Public Outreach and Education: Regional programmes for engaging students and the public through lectures, digital media, and observatory sessions, with a focus on STEM inspiration and science literacy.
  • Galaxies, AGN and the High Redshift Universe: Investigations into galaxy formation and evolution in the early universe, including challenges posed by James Webb Space Telescope data and the epoch of reionisation.
  • High Energy Astrophysics: Studies of black holes, neutron stars, and supernovae, with emphasis on X-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gravitational messengers.
  • Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Latest results from LIGO and next-generation detectors, offering new insights into compact object mergers and extreme astrophysical phenomena.
  • The Life Cycle of Stars and Their Planets: Advances in stellar evolution, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, the interstellar medium, and extrasolar planetary systems with implications for life beyond Earth.
  • Radio, mm and Sub-mm Astronomy: Highlights from facilities such as SKA and FAST, recent surveys, and breakthroughs in interferometric techniques across radio wavelengths.
  • Astronomical Surveys and Time Domain Astronomy: Developments in wide-field optical surveys, spectroscopic missions, and time-variable sky studies, with emphasis on the LSST era.
  • Upcoming Astronomical Facilities: Scientific potential of future mega-infrastructures including ELT, GMT, Roman Space Telescope, and Xuntian.
  • Space Sustainability: Addressing challenges from satellite mega-constellations and space debris, with discussions on international policy, interference mitigation, and orbital ecosystem viability.

Key Dates for APRIM 2026

  • 1 October 2025 – Abstract submission and registration open
  • 5 December 2025 – Abstract submission deadline
  • 25 February 2026 – Early registration deadline
  • 15 March 2026 – Deadline for visa assistance requests
  • 4-8 May 2026 – Official conference date

Stay Updated

Conference updates, session details, and speaker announcements will be published in due course on the official event website https://np5meuhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VMlbWQXWpUCPATeHENYi4VmXnZgadtdOBo05FOH7d6MOQMkqemO4xYzb1cAEpqThWgw7ihT0zPif_QvkkRMEBepAJ2oQWtcJ7NEvJapSIfMEfZd0sUWl8Zd_3SO12g1PC9_H3f1NkRRCq9jqhCGV9w==&c=ANaVNC6-ywyVxn4PJSvqgftPhyx34S6amPJ8fhYEcuP7at93HiqttQ==&ch=B4DTua8AFep3QU_SCWlL58w60gcOjiXYcs-N6SuOGMatKXpDHFsjXA== .

Join us in Hong Kong in May 2026 as we celebrate the frontiers of discovery in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science – and strengthen the bonds of global scientific collaboration.

More Information

International Astronomical Union

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) brings together more than 13,000 professional astronomers from 85 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.

APRIM 2026

The Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting 2026 (APRIM2026), one of the most influential astronomy conferences in the region, will be held for the first time in Hong Kong from 4–8 May 2026. Organised under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and hosted by the Laboratory for Space Research (LSR) of the University of Hong Kong,

APRIM2026 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), located in the heart of Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island. Overlooking Victoria Harbour and offering excellent transport connectivity, HKCEC is one of Asia’s premier venues for conventions and exhibitions. As a vibrant international city where East meets West, Hong Kong offers world-class facilities, museums, cuisine, and nightlife—making it an ideal destination for global academic exchange. For venue details, please visit: https://www.hkcec.com https://np5meuhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VMlbWQXWpUCPATeHENYi4VmXnZgadtdOBo05FOH7d6MOQMkqemO4xZdm_Giee-8YKOjzJsHDQIjX7fmCdpnt1udMTAqhIXHYyNzDLTMMbh2o_-9IMIWHDDIe0KE3LlzmpPHuNrFXAlCoQKdr1A_Wmg==&c=ANaVNC6-ywyVxn4PJSvqgftPhyx34S6amPJ8fhYEcuP7at93HiqttQ==&ch=B4DTua8AFep3QU_SCWlL58w60gcOjiXYcs-N6SuOGMatKXpDHFsjXA==

Contacts

Prof. Diana Worrall

IAU General Secretary

Email: IAU-general.secretary@iap.fr

Prof. Quentin Parker

Chair, APRIM2026 Organising Committees (SOC & LOC)

Email: aprim26@hku.hk

Ramasamy Venugopal

IAU Press Office

Email: iauinfos@iap.fr

International Astronomical Union (2025) [image: Facebook] https://np5meuhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VMlbWQXWpUCPATeHENYi4VmXnZgadtdOBo05FOH7d6MOQMkqemO4xdJRQ8pvTexFsr6NnK_535mMCgNxAEPAnR2N0HfzQhcKzuTQYYrJgAjihgBMiGYJu3Ej3fL0AUgErof4d5cOOqHEPecqijgg0ehovnRovM-QPP80uiwVARpUwLXxVVW-emibIqbpqtk1&c=ANaVNC6-ywyVxn4PJSvqgftPhyx34S6amPJ8fhYEcuP7at93HiqttQ==&ch=B4DTua8AFep3QU_SCWlL58w60gcOjiXYcs-N6SuOGMatKXpDHFsjXA== [image: X] https://np5meuhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VMlbWQXWpUCPATeHENYi4VmXnZgadtdOBo05FOH7d6MOQMkqemO4xdJRQ8pvTexFTqDpIN0TUQwwXht_n0_PomOr2SKLCr_AJUCWFkOUTpZ2hVxSIQxlXJ4aseb9B_iOvjwdvzXHWgTYij6tlQyMbT-sGnIoDMW4&c=ANaVNC6-ywyVxn4PJSvqgftPhyx34S6amPJ8fhYEcuP7at93HiqttQ==&ch=B4DTua8AFep3QU_SCWlL58w60gcOjiXYcs-N6SuOGMatKXpDHFsjXA== [image: LinkedIn] https://np5meuhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VMlbWQXWpUCPATeHENYi4VmXnZgadtdOBo05FOH7d6MOQMkqemO4xdJRQ8pvTexFAYpfRGDqb6Lzh7Ilp7jRjBbBblXjuvEJPwiFtXpPYkETpdQj_bFJElabwoS6tt8cWBxni3AAXKH1W5mpgpm58FWQlr6yqdhzO43eBjsMQeb7I7roxhKHWh1elsJyWv2fEitMvQSrAWHP0nqh-aOONiQreJo1Q5OQBgmazmU7d-nQcH7J8cmiqg==&c=ANaVNC6-ywyVxn4PJSvqgftPhyx34S6amPJ8fhYEcuP7at93HiqttQ==&ch=B4DTua8AFep3QU_SCWlL58w60gcOjiXYcs-N6SuOGMatKXpDHFsjXA==

International Astronomical Union | Blv. Arago Bis-98 | Paris, 75014 FR

Unsubscribe https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001mhUxSN59VfRIb9zqICXxfw%3D&ch=15cb1004-0a28-11f0-af34-fa163ef8090b&ca=e7c4c8e1-04e3-4163-a66c-9856d0967aba | Update Profile https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001mhUxSN59VfRIb9zqICXxfw%3D&ch=15cb1004-0a28-11f0-af34-fa163ef8090b&ca=e7c4c8e1-04e3-4163-a66c-9856d0967aba | Constant Contact Data Notice https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice