ACS symposium on Icy Universe (abstract deadline September 29) ·

Dear all,

I hope this email is not blocked/filtered. Please forward the following information to other colleagues/postdocs/students.

There is a special symposium at the American Chemical Society 2026 meeting in Atlanta on the icy universe. I was asked to pass along this flyer and information by the organizers.

The symposium focuses on astrochemistry during star and planet formation. In particular, the ice (and gas) observations by JWST. The summary is shown below.

Please pass it along to those who are interested in this session and ask them to submit an abstract. The abstract submission deadline is September 29.

Summary The origin of life on Earth remains one of the most significant and unresolved “Grand Challenges” in science. Recent advancements in modern observatories, coupled with progress in astrochemical modeling and laboratory experiments, have revealed that complex organic molecules (COMs), including prebiotic species, are abundantly formed in both the interstellar medium (ISM) and the Solar System. Throughout the star-formation process, a dynamic interplay exists between gas-phase species and solid-phase molecules frozen on the surfaces of interstellar dust particles. Current understanding suggests that COMs are primarily synthesized in the solid phase and can transition to the gas phase via thermal and non-thermal desorption mechanisms. The intricate chemical complexity observed in star-forming regions serves as the foundational material for future exoplanetary systems. Despite this, our knowledge of these organic molecules within interstellar ices and their physicochemical evolution in space remains limited. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), with its unparalleled resolution and sensitivity in the near- to mid-infrared spectral range, has revolutionized our understanding of the Universe. It has provided unprecedented insights into the early stages of star formation, capturing detailed observations of protostars and protoplanetary disks. The JWST has enabled the first direct detection of COMs in ices during early protostellar phases, advanced the study of exoplanetary atmospheres, and delivered remarkable imaging of our Solar System. The timing of this symposium is particularly relevant, as by spring 2026, JWST will have nearly completed its Cycle 4 observations across its full suite of instruments. This gathering will celebrate the groundbreaking scientific discoveries facilitated by JWST in recent years. With a strong emphasis on the interdisciplinary field of astrochemistry—including laboratory research, theoretical modeling, and observations of the ISM, from diffuse regions to dense molecular clouds, protostars, protoplanetary disks, and our Solar System—this symposium aims to engage a broad audience of chemists and (planetary) astronomers, fostering collaboration and innovation at the Atlanta meeting.

Proposed Session Topics (not necessarily in this order):

 Highly irradiated environments (PDRs, high-mass star-forming regions).

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 Molecular clouds.
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 Protostars.
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 Protoplanetary disk ice.
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 Protoplanetary disk gas / pebble transport.

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 Solar System.
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Thank you!

Regards, Daniel

Daniel Harsono

Associate Professor Institute of Astronomy National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan R. O. C. dharsono@gapp.nthu.edu.tw

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