Registration and abstract submission are now open! Abstract submission and grant application deadline have been extended to 8 May!
From 2-6 November 2026, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) will host the symposium, Innovative Research and Techniques in Astronomy Communication, at the NAOJ Mitaka campus in Tokyo, Japan, and online. Registration, abstract and grant submissions are now open for onsite and online participation.
This symposium will bring together leading researchers and practitioners in astronomy communication to share evidence-based strategies for helping astronomers communicate their work effectively with peers, policymakers, funders, and the public. A core goal of the meeting is to foster dialogue between research and practice, identifying shared challenges, research gaps, and opportunities for future collaboration in science communication. The symposium will feature several keynote talks, including Dr Takaaki Kajita (University of Tokyo), Dr Lucia Marchetti (University of Cape Town), and Dr John Besley (Michigan State University), who will discuss miscommunication, emerging technologies, trust in science, and more. As the first IAU symposium dedicated specifically to providing scientists with vital communication skills, the meeting aims to highlight the growing professionalisation of astronomy communication and its essential role in advancing the science of astronomy.
Astronomers, astronomy communicators, astronomy communication researchers and other scientific stakeholders are encouraged to submit an abstract and register on the online platform. Early-career researchers can apply for grant support to participate in this symposium. In addition to the travel and participation support provided by the IAU, the organisers are negotiating additional funding to facilitate equitable participation from people around the globe.
Important Dates
- 1 March 2026: Abstract submission and grant applications open
- 1 March 2026: Registration open (early-bird applies)
- 8 May 2026 (extended): Abstract submission and grant application deadline
- 15 June 2026: Abstract submission and grant results released
- 15 July 2026: Deadline for early-bird registration
- 15 August 2026: Last day for visa application support from the LOC
- 1 October 2026: Full programme published online
- 2-6 November 2026: The IAU Symposium, Innovative Research and Techniques in Astronomy Communication, will take place in-person in Tokyo and online.
All content from this symposium will be collected into a proceedings volume to be published in the year following the congress. For more information about the main topics addressed during this symposium, and further details about the venue, please refer to the conference website.
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