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. The abstract and grant submission deadline has been extended by one week to 8 May 2026.
The symposium will feature several keynote talks and workshops, including Dr Takaaki Kajita (University of Tokyo), Dr Mark Subbarao (NASA Scientific Visualization Studio), Dr Marta Entradas (Lisbon University Institute), and Dr Vanessa Moss (CSIRO), who will touch on miscommunication, data visualisation, trust in science, emerging technologies, 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
- 8 May 2026: Abstract submission and grant application deadline (extended)
- 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 online2-6 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.
Start date
November 2, 2026
End date
November 6, 2026
Place
Tokyo, Japan
Contact
Camilo Delgado-Correal & Xinnan Du (SOC Co-chair)
Kelly Blumenthal & Masaaki Hiramatsu (LOC Co-Chairs)
Coordinating Division
Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage