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Author: Marcus Mohring

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AG splinter session on Relativistic Astrophysics, September 11 2026, Garching, Germany

Splinter session about “Relativistic Astrophysics” as part of the annual meeting of the German Astronomical Society (Astronomische Gesellschaft, AG), hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Astrophyics from September 7 to 11, 2026, in Garching, Germany.

This session covers the observational and theoretical aspects of the physics in strong gravitational fields and of the emergence of high energy phenomena. Strong gravity and relativity will be important for the formation and nature of white dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes. Physical phenomena in the vicinity of compact objects are lensing and shadows, the motion of stars in strong gravitational fields, gravitational waves, accretion disks, jets, and Gamma-Ray-Bursts. Also the aspects of relativity in cosmology and dark matter search will be part of this session.

For more details please visit the website of the AG meeting and the website of the splinter session .

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Call for expressions of interest – Marie Curie and “la Caixa” Fellowships

The Galician Institute of High Energy Physics (IGFAE, University of Santiago de Compostela https://igfae.usc.es/) invites expressions of interest from outstanding candidates who would like to apply for:

1. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
2. Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships from the "la Caixa" Foundation

1. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships:

For more information, visit the Marie Curie Fellowships website. The application deadline is September 9, 2026.

2. Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships (“la Caixa” Foundation):

These 3-year fellowships offer a very competitive salary and a research grant of 115,500 EUR (eligible also to hire personnel). The program has two calls:

  • Incoming: For applicants who have not resided in Spain more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
  • Retaining: For applicants who have resided in Spain more than 12 months in the last 3 years. 

Applicants must have been awarded a PhD between two and seven years prior to the call’s closing date. The selection process is managed by the “la Caixa” Foundation. For more information, visit the Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships website, where details of the latest calls can also be found.

Expected Dates for “la Caixa” Fellowships:

– July 2026: Call opens

– October 2026: Call deadline

– January 2027: Pre-selection results and interview invitations

– March 2027: Interviews and publication of results

– May-December 2027: Job contracts commence

How to send the expression of interest

Interested candidates are invited to identify a potential IGFAE supervisor among its senior and junior staff (see https://igfae.usc.es/igfae/en/staff/). Candidates should then contact the potential supervisor with:

– A message indicating the call of interest (“la Caixa” Incoming/Retaining, Marie Curie, or both)

– A short CV

– A short abstract of the planned research proposal (half a page)

Expressions of interest are welcome at any time, but late ones may miss the chance to be considered. They should be sent to the potential supervisor only, and not to jobs(at)igfae.usc.es

Please find here details.

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XV International Conference on New Frontiers in Physics (ICNFP2026), August 19-30 2026, Crete, Greece

The International Conference on New Frontiers in Physics aims to promote scientific exchange and the development of novel ideas in science, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The conference will bring together experts from around the world, as well as promising young scientists working on experimental and theoretical aspects of particle, nuclear, heavy ion, and astroparticle physics and cosmology, along with colleagues from other disciplines, such as solid-state physics, mathematics, mathematical physics, quantum optics, and more.

The conference will be hosted at the Conference Center of the Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC), which is situated in an exceptionally beautiful location just a few meters from the Mediterranean Sea.

Arrival day: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Departure day: Sunday, 30 August 2026

Conference Website

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Cosmological Fundamental Observables and Novel Discoveries in Universe Evolution, January 25-29, 2027 at CERN

hile new discoveries in cosmology have revolutionized our understanding of the Universe over the past decades, many unresolved mysteries remain, such as the nature of dark energy or the physical processes occurring in the earliest stages of history. To resolve these questions in light of new observations, joint efforts across the whole community are needed.

The conference Cosmological Fundamental Observables and Novel Discoveries in Universe Evolution (CosmoFONDUE) aims at offering an occasion for scientists across all fields of cosmology to interact in an engaging and inclusive atmosphere, and to reflect on promising new research directions. A special focus is put on fostering exchange among junior and senior researchers. The conference will cover a broad range of topics across the full redshift span, including:

  • Inflation, pre-CMB cosmology
  • CMB surveys
  • Neutrino & particle cosmology
  • Gravitational waves
  • Galaxy surveys, large-scale structure observables
  • Intensity mapping
  • Supernovae
  • Modified gravity
  • Cosmological tensions

Confirmed speakers:

  • David Alonso (U. of Oxford)
  • Tessa Baker (Portsmouth U., ICG)
  • Julien Carron (U. Geneva)
  • Edmund Copeland (Nottingham U.)
  • Rachel Gray (U. of Glasgow)
  • Kylar Greene (Seoul Natl. U. )
  • Lavinia Heisenberg (Heidelberg U.)
  • Oksana Iarygina (NORDITA)
  • Jae Hyeok Chang (Seoul Natl. U.)
  • Elisabeth Krause (U. of Arizona)
  • Sung Mook Lee (CERN)
  • Vivian Poulin (U. Montpellier)
  • Mickael Rigault (U. Lyon)
  • Marta Spinelli (Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur)
  • Licia Verde (ICCUB)
  • Seokhoon Yun (Kyungpook Natl. U.)

Conference Website

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IGWN School at Perimeter Institute, August 10-14, 2026

The IGWN School will be held August 10 - August 14, 2026 at Perimeter Institute.

The International Gravitational Wave Network (IGWN) School is an intensive one-week program designed for graduate students and early-career researchers seeking to contribute to gravitational wave astronomy through engagement with the global LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA collaboration. The school will offer a comprehensive introduction to the science, infrastructure, techniques, and collaborative practices that underpin modern gravitational-wave astronomy given by leading scientists from across this international network of advanced gravitational-wave detectors. Participants will explore the many aspects of gravitational wave observations—from detector operations and characterization to data analysis and astrophysical interpretation—gaining the practical knowledge and methodological tools needed to contribute effectively to this large, worldwide scientific effort. Through lectures, tutorials, and interactive sessions, this program aims to foster a new generation of researchers capable of actively participating in a global collaboration of thousands of scientists working together to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Lecturers:

Patrick Brady (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
Elenna Capote (LIGO Hanford Observatory)
Derek Davis (University of Rhode-Island)
Chad Hanna (Pennsylvania State University)
Jess McIver (University of British Columbia)
Jessica Steinlechner (Maastricht University)
Daniel Williams (The University of Glasgow)
Nicolas Arnaud (CNRS/IN2P3 & Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1) – TBC
Barbara Patricelli (University of Pisa) – TBC

Scientific Organizers:

Luis Lehner (Perimeter Institute)
Will East (Perimeter Institute)
Rob Coyne (University of Rhode Island)
Edward Porter (APC)
Quynh Lan Nguyen (Phenikaa University)

Information for this event can be found here.

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Ripples Through Time: Past Triumphs, Mapping the Future, November 25-27, 2026 at UWA Perth

Celebrating 50 years of gravitational wave research, science education, and future innovation

A century ago gravitational wave detection was thought to be impossible. Fifty years ago it was the quest of a small bunch of intrepid physicists. They faced challenge after challenge, but their optimism persisted. They uncovered new physics, invented novel instruments and new techniques. New disciplines like quantum optomechanics, space laser communication, clock technology and airborne exploration technologies emerged from their efforts. Year after year they overcame setbacks, never imagining that it would take 40 years of struggle to achieve their quest.

When the direct detection of gravitational waves was finally achieved in 2015, it marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy. It brought with it surprises and opportunities, new horizons and new questions. Today, thousands of researchers all over the world work together, using increasingly sensitive detectors to explore the universe in ways that were once unimaginable.

This symposium marks fifty years since Australia became part of the international quest to detect gravitational waves. Celebrating the remarkable achievements of gravitational wave researchers, it aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, map the future, and identify opportunities. What are the greatest challenges, what might we discover and what is the future of physics?

The symposium is held in honour of David Blair, commemorating his 80th birthday and recognising his extraordinary 50 years of contributions to physics, physics education and public awareness of science.

Symposium Website

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APS Division of Particles and Fields (DPF), July 20-24, 2026 at Fermilab

The 2026 edition of the APS Division of Particles and Fields (DPF) meeting will be held at Fermilab on July 20-24, 2026.

Registration is now open. Please note May 20 registration deadline for non-US citizens.

Abstract submission for parallel talks and posters is now open at https://indico.fnal.gov/event/72820/abstracts/

The Fermilab Users and Affiliates Meeting will be held on the overlapping Friday, July 24, 2026 https://indico.fnal.gov/event/73552/

Please note that low-cost housing ($50/night) will be available in dormitories at nearby Benedictine University.

A limited number of student travel awards will be available: https://indico.fnal.gov/event/72820/page/4422-student-travel-awards

Important deadlines:

  • Abstract submission deadline: May 11, 2026
  • In‑Person Registration (Non‑U.S. Citizens): May 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST
  • In‑Person Registration (U.S. Citizens): June 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST
  • Virtual Registration: July 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST

Meeting Website

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The RING project in Germany: 1 Postdoc and 14 PhD positions in Physics, Geophysics, Geodesy

we would like to draw your attention to the 4-year RING project recently funded by the German Research Foundation (extendable to 8 years). The project has strong overlap with gravitational wave detection research on instrumentation.

The project aims at pushing the sensitivity and stability limits of rotational motion sensing with ring laser technology into new realms using approaches from quantum optics and metrology. The ultimate goal is to enable ring laser observations as a complement to classic space-geodetic methods towards more precise, high-rate estimation of Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP). Furthermore, we plan to develop (trans-) portable ring lasers fit for weak, broadband 6 degree-of-freedom ground motion observations towards better understanding of atmosphere-solid Earth coupling (also relevant for seismic decoupling of gravitational wave detection facilities).

The project offers postdoctoral and PhD topics in laser physics, geodesy, geophysics, hydrology, and seismology. The successful candidates will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team at various institutions in Germany with excellent training and experimental facilities.

More information, links to the individual research projects and open positions can be found here:
https://www.ringlaser.de

Prof. Dr. Katharina Isleif
https://www.hsu-hh.de/karriere/wp-content/uploads/sites/658/2026/04/Reference-Number-MB-0926.pdf

Prof. Dr. Oliver Gerberding
https://www.physik.uni-hamburg.de/en/iexp/gruppe-gerberding/offene-stellen.html

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Ringdown in Lisbon, October 19-21 2026

Ringdown-focussed workshops have been held in New York in February 2022 and in Copenhagen in August 2024. For the growing community of people working on this topic, we plan to have the next meeting in 2026.

In the last year, the realm of black hole quasi-normal modes have been more vibrant than ever. The large number of updates is recognisable in the rise of a vibrant, young and motivated community that is pushing the boundaries of where we can test the nature of black holes with gravitational waves observations. The aim of this workshop is to give a space to this community for relaxed discussion session and fostering the birth of collaborations.

If you want to participate to the workshop, please fill in the registration form. Please be aware that the maximum number of partecipants is 100 and priority is given to invited participants. You will need manual confirmation from the organisers to finalise the registration.

Local Organising Commitee

Nicola Franchini, David Hilditch, Rita Sousa

Scientific Organising Commitee

Emanuele Berti, Vitor Cardoso, Gregorio Carullo, Nicola Franchini, David Hilditch

Speakers and Chairs

Marina de Amicis (Perimeter Institute)
Macarena Lagos (Universidad Andres Bello)
Mark H. Y. Cheung (Princeton Univerity) [TBC]Neev Khera (Guelph University)
Lorena Magaña Zertuche (Niels Bohr Institute)
Costantino Pacilio (Università “La Sapienza” of Rome)
Paolo Arnaudo (Southampton University)
Adrien Kuntz (Instituto Superior Técnico)
Marina David (Leuven University)
Jutta Kunz (Oldenburg University)
Joao Cavalcante (ABC Federal University)
Hayato Motohashi (Tokyo Metropolitan University)
Joachim Pomper (Università di Pisa)
Ling Sun (Australian National University)
Chantal Pitte (SISSA)
Alessandra Buonanno (Max Planck Institute – Potsdam)

Workshop Website

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Gravitational Waves at the Fin del Mundo, January 11-22 2027, Universidad Central La Serena

Since the historic first detection in September 2015, gravitational wave observations have become routine, with the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA network now detecting approximately one black hole merger every three days and having captured around 300 events to date. The future promises even more: next-generation detectors like the Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer are expected to detect hundreds of thousands to millions of compact binary coalescences per year. These observations enable tests of fundamental physics in strong-gravity regimes, insights into the nature of compact objects and the evolution of stars, probes of cosmological evolution, and opens the possibility of multi-messenger astrophysics.

Join us for the 4th Gravitational Wave School in Chile (January 11-15), continuing a proud tradition of training a new generation of latin-american scientists in this growing and exciting research field. This time, the event will be followed by the international conference Gravitational Waves at the Fin del Mundo (January 18-22), inviting world-leading experts in strong-field gravitational physics and astrophysics.

These events will be held at Universidad Central in La Serena, Chile. La Serena is a charming seaside, in a region renowned for its pisco production and tropical papayas. Most importantly, La Serena serves as the gateway to some of the world’s most important astronomical facilities, including Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Cerro Tololo, Gemini, Las Campanas, and La Silla—making it the perfect location to explore the future of gravitational wave astrophysics.

4th Gravitational Wave School: Lecturers

Thomas Sotiriou (University of Nottingham)
Katerina Chatzioannou (Caltech)
Alessandra Corsi (Johns Hopkins University)
Pablo Marchant (Ghent University)

Gravitational Waves at the Fin del Mundo: Invited Speakers

Max Bañados (Catholic University of Chile)
*Clécio R. Bom (Brazilian Center for Physics Research)
Vitor Cardoso (Niels Bohr Institute)
Cecilia Chirenti (University of Maryland)
Katy Clough (Queen Mary University of London)
Anuradha Gupta (University of Mississippi)
Natalia Korsakova (Université Côte d’Azur)
Luis Lehner (Perimeter Institute)
Caio Macedo (Federal University of Pará)
*Rafaella Margutti (University of California, Berkeley)
Nicolás Yunes (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

*To be confirmed

School Website