From 2-6 November 2026, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will host the symposium, Innovative Research and Techniques in Astronomy Communication, at the NAOJ Mitaka campus in Tokyo, Japan. Registration, abstract submission and grant application 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.
We also encourage early-career researchers to 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.
How to register
To register, please click this link to submit an abstract and create a grant request. You will first be asked to create an account. Following that, you may register for the conference and separately submit an abstract and (if desired) a grant request. Payment need not be made at the time of registration; applicants may wait until after the abstract and grant decisions are announced.
Important deadlines
1 March 2026: Registration opens (early-bird applies)
1 May 2026: 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
Cancellation policy
1 May: 100% refund
1 June – 1 September: 50% refund
After 1 September: No refund
Grant support
The International Astronomical Union provides each Symposium with 20,000 EUR to allocate to applicants for travel and registration support. The Local Organising Committee is working to secure additional funding to support more people in our community. While everyone is encouraged to apply for a grant, priority will be given to students (master’s and PhD) and early-career researchers (less than 10 years from graduating with their PhD).