APRIM2026 Circular Advancing global frontier research and cross-regional collaboration in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science - hands across the Asia-Pacific under the IAU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear KAS, Please find below some important updates regarding the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM2026). Dates: 4th - 8th May 2026 Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Hong Kong SAR Registrations: Early-bird registration closes on 25 February Important Updates 1. Due to high demand and enquiry, the abstract submission system has been reopened. It will now remain open until 25th February 2026, the same day as early bird registrations close. 2. Space Sustainability – this theme has been elevated to a full parallel meeting and will address challenges from satellite mega-constellations and space debris with discussions on international policy, interference mitigation, orbital ecosystem viability and the serious impacts on optical and radio astronomy. 3. Astronomy Public Outreach and Education – There is now also a half-day specialist communication forum event added (stay tuned for further details). 4. Radio, mm and sub mm astronomy – There is now also a half-day specialist SKA event added (stay tuned for further details). Revised Key Dates ● 25 February – Abstract submission deadline ● 25 February – Early-bird registration deadline ● 15 March – Deadline for visa assistance requests ● 4-8 May – Official conference dates Conference Highlights ● Distinguished Plenary Speakers: Plenary sessions will feature six laureates of the Nobel, Shaw and Gruber prizes and other eminent speakers, covering transformative discoveries across multiple disciplines. ● Strong Scientific Programme: Nine thematic tracks will be presented, including a new theme of space sustainability now elevated to a full parallel meeting based on interest and importance. This builds on the outcomes of the IAA-LSR Space Debris and Sustainability Conference held at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in December 2024. ● Forum to Establish Regional Collaborations: APRIM offers excellent opportunities for delegates to forge partnerships across the Asia-Pacific and to promote scientific exchange and interdisciplinary cooperation. ● Global Recognition: Organised under the IAU, APRIM2026 is arguably the largest astronomy conference in the Asia-Pacific. 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 Plenary Speakers (in alphabetical order) ● Prof. Matthew Bailes (Shaw Prize Laureate in Astronomy 2023, Swinburne, Australia); Discovery of fast radio bursts ● Prof. Tamara Davis (Professor, The University of Queensland Australia) ● Prof. Yang GAO (Director of Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability, Co-director of Space Science and Technology Institute, HKUST) ● Prof. Reinhard Genzel (Nobel Laureate, 2020, MPI Germany); Discovery of the supermassive black hole at the centre of our Milky Way ● Prof. Luis C. Ho (Director, Kavli Institute, Peking University, China); 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) Understanding Magnetars ● Prof. Shri Kulkarni (Shaw Prize Laureate 2024, Caltech, USA); 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, Australia); Low frequency radio astronomy ● Prof. Laura Perez (New Horizons Prize in Physics 2024, University of Chile) Planetary system formation ● Prof. Brian Schmidt (IAU President-Elect, Shaw Prize Laureate 2006, Nobel Laureate, 2011, ANU, Australia); Accelerating universe discovery ● Prof. Lldar Shaikhislamov (Russian Academy of Sciences); Exoplanetary atmospheres Key Themes APRIM2026 will feature nine thematic tracks reflecting the latest scientific priorities and regional interests: 1. 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. Added note: There is now also a full half-day specialist communication forum event (stay tuned for further details) 2. 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. 3. High Energy Astrophysics – Studies of black holes, neutron stars, and supernovae, with emphasis on X-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gravitational messengers. 4. Gravitational Wave Astronomy – Latest results from LIGO and next-generation detectors, offering new insights into compact object mergers and extreme astrophysical phenomena. 5. 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. 6. Radio, mm and Sub-mm Astronomy – Highlights from facilities such as SKA and FAST, recent surveys, and breakthroughs in interferometric techniques across radio wavelengths. There is now also a full half-day specialist SKA event added (stay tuned for further details) 7. 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. 8. Upcoming Astronomical Facilities – Scientific potential of future mega-infrastructures including ELT, GMT, Roman Space Telescope, and Xuntian. 9. Space Sustainability (note this theme has now been elevated to a full parallel meeting) – Addressing challenges from satellite mega-constellations and space debris, with discussions on international policy, interference mitigation, and orbital ecosystem viability. Stay Updated Conference updates, session details, and speaker announcements will be published in due course on the official website. 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. Contacts Prof. Quentin Parker Chair, APRIM2026 Organising Committees (SOC & LOC) Ramasamy Venugopal IAU Press Office | 
