2026 International Pro-Am Workshop: Building relationships and research collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers
5 - 8 October 2026, Pennsylvania, USA
Throughout history, amateur astronomers have made significant discoveries and contributions to the field of professional astronomy. The Pro-Am Workshop will bring together and facilitate collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers. Working together, professionals and amateurs can advance scientific discovery as well as engage many from the public in modern astronomy research practices. This is a win-win for all. Professional astronomy increases its research capacity with additional peoplepower, and amateurs increase their knowledge and skill. In addition, amateurs who share these stories with the broader public build interest and strengthen support for future astronomy endeavours.
🌐 Visit the 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop website
📃 Download the 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop brochure
Who should attend?
Professional astronomers, amateur astronomers, astronomy educators who currently or would like to engage themselves and/or their students in research, university or high school students themselves, astronomy equipment/software providers, and others who are interested in learning about or supporting pro-am collaboration in astronomy should attend. We anticipate a wide variety of topics being addressed at the 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop. Examples include, but are not limited to, collection and analysis of astronomical data (e.g. solar, lunar, planetary, stellar, galactic, extragalactic, etc.), use of data analysis tools/software, archival data research, instrument design/development, astrophotography and data visualization, citizen science, and other topics/projects of interest. For those unable to attend in-person, we are working to make as much of the workshop as possible available to virtual attendees.
Important Dates in 2026
- March 25 – Registration Opens
- June 1 – Final day to submit abstracts and workshop requests for consideration by the Organizing Committee
- July 1 – Those who submit abstracts or workshop requests will be notified of status no later than July 1
- August 1 – Early Registration ends, and registration fees increase significantly
- August 15 – If your presentation abstract or workshop request is accepted, you MUST pay the registration fee by this date
- October 5 – Pro-Am Workshop begins (you may arrive on site the evening of October 4 if needed)
- October 8 – All workshop participants must depart Camp Coffman by 12:00 PM
- October 6 – 11 – ASTROBLAST 2026 Star Party
Contact
📧 Tim Spuck