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16th International LISA Symposium, June 22-26, 2026, College Park, Maryland

The 16th International LISA Symposium will highlight gravitational wave astrophysics, with a primary focus on the most up-to-date theory and analysis that will inform science to be performed by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.

Details on remote participation, which will be limited, will be announced when registration opens in early 2026.

The symposium will be held at the University of Maryland’s Adele H. Stamp Student Union on June 22-26, 2026 in College Park, Maryland, USA.

Scientific Organizing Committee

  • Shane Larson (Chair), Clarkson University
  • Stanislav Babak, APC – Paris
  • Richard Brito, Instituto Superior Técnico
  • Maria José Bustamante Rosell, Fisk & Vanderbilt Universities
  • Laurentiu Caramete, Institute of Space Science, Bucharest-Magurele
  • Eleonora Castelli, University of Maryland, Baltimore County & NASA GSFC
  • Maria Charisi, Washington State University & University of Crete
  • Nelson Christensen, Observeratoire Cote d’Azur
  • John Conklin, University of Florida
  • Neil Cornish, Montana State University
  • Daniel J. D’Orazio, Space Telescope Science Institute
  • Deborah Ferguson, University of Rhode Island
  • Alessia Franchini, Università degli Studi di Milano
  • Daryl Haggard, McGill Unviersity, Trottier Space Instittue
  • Zoltan Haiman, Institute of Science & Technology Austria
  • Sarah Vigeland, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
  • Stefano Vitale, Università di Trento
  • Gudrun Wanner, AEI – Hannover
  • David Weir, University of Helsinki
  • Helvi Witek, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • William Joseph Weber, Università di Trento

Local Organizing Committee

Peter Shawhan, University of Maryland
Ann Hornschemeier Cardiff, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Ira Thorpe, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Elizabeth Ferrara, University of Maryland

First held in 1996, the International LISA Symposium is held every two years to celebrate and share infornation and science related to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna mission, a three-arm space-based gravitational wave detector being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA).

History

A listing of prior LISA Symposia and links to their websites can be found here.

Conference Website

LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration Meeting, March 9-13 2026 in Pisa

We are delighted to host the March 2026 LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration Meeting in Pisa, Italy, from March 9th to 13th, 2026, at Pala Todisco – Meetings and More. 

The meeting will be hosted by the European Gravitational Observatory (EGO).

Whether you are attending in person or online, we look forward to a week of engaging discussions and fruitful collaborations!

Why Pisa?

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Pisa is world-famous for its Leaning Tower. Just a few kilometers outside the city, in the countryside of Cascina (Province of Pisa), stands the Virgo interferometer, one of the four detectors of the global LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA (LVK) network — making Pisa the ideal venue for this meeting.

In addition to science, Pisa and the surrounding region of Tuscany offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Participants can explore the Duomo, the Botanical Garden of the University of Pisa, founded in 1543 and the oldest university botanical garden in the world, and other art and history museums, enjoying the charm of its historic streets and squares.

Pisa is also easily accessible, with its international airport and close proximity to Florence Airport, providing connections to destinations around the world.

The Venue

Pala Todisco – Meeting and more, located a few kilometers northeast of Pisa, is surrounded by greenery. The venue can host large-scale events and is equipped with advanced digital and audio-visual technologies, ensuring the best possible conference experience in comfortable and suitable spaces.

Dedicated transportation will be organized from key locations in the city center to Pala Todisco, with buses provided by the organizers for meeting participants.
For more information, please visit the [Accommodation & Travel page]

Key Event Dates

11 September 2025 | First Announcement
15 December 2025 | Registration Opens
20 January 2026 | Early-Bird Registration Closes
28 February 2026 | General Registration Closes
9–12 March 2026 | LVK Collaboration Meeting
13 March 2026 | Satellite Workshops at EGO and Virgo Tour

Local Organizing Committee:

Massimo Carpinelli (Director of the European Gravitational Observatory, University of Milano-Bicocca)
Nicolas Arnaud (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IP2I Lyon / IN2P3)
Gianluca Gemme (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare)
Lorenzo Mirasola (Departament de Física, Universitat de les Illes Balears, IAC3–IEEC)
Vincenzo Napolano (European Gravitational Observatory)
Massimiliano Razzano (University of Pisa, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare)
Viola Sordini (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IP2I Lyon / IN2P3)
Elisa Velcani (European Gravitational Observatory)

Conference Website

Causalworlds 2026: The 3rd International Conference on Quantum, Classical, and Relativistic Causality, June 22-26, 2026, Grenoble

Understanding causality is foundational to science and has wide-ranging applications, yet there are several distinct notions of causation. Recently, there have been important developments on the role of causality in quantum physics, relativistic physics and their interplay. These have unearthed a plethora of deep and fascinating questions regarding the nature of causation in physical theories, emergence of space-time structure and how relativistic principles can shape the landscape of quantum information processing. At the same time, causal reasoning is central in classical statistics, and has become a crucial tool in machine learning, with applications ranging from big data to healthcare. The interface between classical and quantum causality has also been crucial for identifying when and how quantum theory can surpass classical models in information processing. Causalworlds aims to bring together researchers from different areas of physics, computer science, mathematics and philosophy working on such questions related to causality, both from fundamental and applied perspectives, to provide a venue for cross-pollination of ideas and techniques across these disciplines and consolidate efforts towards a more unified understanding of causation.

The scope of the conference includes (but is not limited to):

  • Quantum and classical causal inference and causal models
  • The role of causal structure in information processing
  • Indefinite causality and quantum reference frames
  • Cyclic causality and time symmetry
  • Causality in quantum field theory and quantum gravity
  • Experiments in causality and applications

Important dates

  • Paper submission deadline: Feb 20, 2026
  • Paper notification: Late March, 2026
  • Registration deadline: TBC
  • Conference: June 22-26, 2026

All deadlines are stated with respect to the Anywhere on Earth (AoE) time zone.

Submission Guidelines

We invite submissions of papers for talks and/or posters. Submissions for a talk will automatically be considered for a poster if not accepted for a talk.

  • Talk: Submission will consist of a 3 page (excluding references) extended abstract, together with a link to the full paper (published or preprint) or a draft of the manuscript if not yet publicly available.
  • Poster: Submission will consist of a short plaintext abstract. Work in progress is welcome.

Submissions will be considered via EasyChair: https://easychair.org/conferences?conf=cw2026

Invited Speakers

To be announced shortly.

Organising Committee

  • Alastair Abbott (Inria)
  • Cyril Branciard (Institut Néel)
  • Mehdi Mhalla (LIG)
  • Kuntal Sengupta (Institut Néel)
  • V. Vilasini (Inria)

PC Chairs

  • Alastair Abbott (Inria)
  • Elie Wolfe (Perimeter Institute)

The programme committee will be announced shortly.

Conference Website

The Extragalactic Transient Universe, July 6-10 2026 in Marseille

The 2026 edition of the GECO-LAM conference will discuss the “Extragalactic Transient Universe” at a time of great research opportunities favored by new facilities such the SVOM and Einstein Probe (EP) high-energy missions or the Vera Rubin Observatory, among multiple others. The conference will focus on diverse topics ranging from observations, theory and modeling of the broad population of astronomical transients, through multi-messenger astronomy, to the instrumentation, techniques and data management that are needed to make transient research successful.

Abstract submission opens on 12th of January 2026 and remains open until 27th February 2026. The programme will be published on April, 17th. Registration is already open and will stay open until May 1st. The meeting will be proposed in hybrid format. The conference will count with invited talks, contributed talks, and posters. Registrations fees: [to be announced here]

A social dinner will be organized ; more informations will be given here.

Research topics to be discussed at the conference will include:

  • Gamma-Ray Bursts
  • Fast Blue Optical Transients
  • Core-collapse supernovae
  • Tidal Disruption Events
  • Fast Radio Bursts
  • Exotic transients
  • Multi-messenger observations
  • Theory and simulations
  • Massive stars as progenitors
  • Host galaxies
  • Instrumentation, surveys, and observational techniques

Conference Website

Dark Matter and Stars: Multi-Messenger Probes of Dark Matter and Modified Gravity, July 13-15 2026, Southampton

The International Conference "Dark Matter and Stars: Multi-Messenger Probes of Dark Matter and Modified Gravity" aims to bring together scientists working across the different research fields of astrophysics, cosmology, and modified gravity. We want to look at the dark matter problem from different perspectives, considering it to be of particle nature, as well as modification of gravity. This meeting is intended to initiate cross-field discussions of dark matter searches, their current status, and future prospects.

Conference Website

CosPA2026 and ACGRG13, July 6-10 2026, Christchurch, New Zealand

The International Symposium on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (CosPA2026) and the 13th Australasian Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation (ACGRG13) will be held jointly, bringing together two complementary scientific communities. CosPA2026 is part of an annual conference series organized in the Asia-Pacific region under the Asia Pacific Organization of Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (APCosPA), while ACGRG13, convened by the Australasian Society for General Relativity and Gravitation, is a biennial forum for regional researchers in all areas gravitational physics from mathematical relativity to experimental gravitational wave detection.

Together, these meetings aim to unite theorists, experimentalists, and observers working across gravitation, particle physics, cosmology, astrophysics, and astroparticle physics. Participants will engage in discussions on the latest observations, theoretical developments, and emerging directions in these intersecting fields.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Classical and Quantum Theories of Gravity
  • Cosmology
  • Radio Astronomy
  • Gravitational Waves
  • Dark Matter
  • Neutrino Physics
  • Relativistic Astrophysics
  • Mathematical and Numerical Relativity

Conference Website

GW:UK @ Nottingham, January 15-16 2026

GW:UK@Nottingham is the first meeting of the GW:UK initiative (website). It will bring together researchers from across the UK involved in gravitational wave science to celebrate 10 years of gravitational wave discoveries (day 1) and to engage in community-building activities (day 2).

Due to the nature of this meeting, we will only offer in person participation. Some funding to cover accommodation and travel expenses for UK-based participants is available. There will be a number of slots available for contributed talks, including flash talks. We especially encourage early career researchers to apply for a slot.

To be considered for financial support and a contributed or flash talk, please complete your registration by 16 December.

Conference Website

42nd Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting – February 27-28, 2026 at UC Riverside

42nd Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting - February 27-28, 2026 at UC Riverside 
The 42nd Jim Isenberg Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 - Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the University of California, Riverside.

In the tradition of the Pacific Coast Gravity Meetings, students and postdocs are strongly encouraged to participate, and all areas of gravitational physics—classical and quantum, theory and experiment—are welcome. We would like this meeting to serve as a communication medium among all branches of gravitational physics. Because this is a regional APS meeting, many participants will be from the Western U.S., but all are welcome.

The meeting is free to attend. There is no registration fee. However, we are not able to provide financial assistance to speakers and participants. A prize sponsored by the APS Division of Gravitational Physics (DGRAV) will be awarded for the best student talk.

Registration

Please register using this registration form. For full consideration, your application should be received by 11:59 PM on February 18, 2025. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the organizers.

The Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting has grown to the point where we can no longer promise to accommodate all requests to speak. Priority will be given to talks by graduate students and postdocs.

DGRAV Prize

A prize will be awarded for the best talk by a student at the meeting. If you are eligible (i.e., if you are a graduate or undergraduate student), please be sure to indicate that on the registration form. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found here.

Program

Below is the tenative schedule of program events. Assigned talk slots will be posted in late February 2026.

Thursday, February 26

   5:00 PM –     6:00 PM Welcome Reception,  University Lecture Hall (map)

   6:00 PM –     7:00 PM Frontiers of Cosmology Public Lecture,  University Lecture Hall (map)
Featuring APS President-Elect Brad Marston, with introductory remarks by 2017 Nobel Laureate Barry Barish

Friday, February 27

   9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Session I,  HUB 302 North (map)

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session II,  HUB 302 North (map)

12:30 PM –    2:00 PM Lunch

   2:00 PM –    3:30 PM Session III,  HUB 302 North (map)

   3:30 PM –    4:00 PM Coffee Break

   4:00 PM –    5:30 PM Session IV,  HUB 302 North (map)

Saturday, February 28

   9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Session V,  HUB 302 North (map)

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session VI,  HUB 302 North (map)

12:30 PM –    2:00 PM Lunch

   2:00 PM –    3:30 PM Session VII,  HUB 302 North (map)

   3:30 PM –    4:00 PM Coffee Break

   4:00 PM –    5:30 PM Session VIII,  HUB 302 North (map)

Logistics

Meeting Room

The conference will take place in the Highlander Union Building (HUB) in Room 302 North (see this campus map). Room 302 North is located on the third floor of the building (see this building map).

Conference Website

Gravitational Waves and Detection Technologies – PAS Rome Meeting 2026, March 16-17

Gravitational Waves and Detection Technologies - PAS Rome meeting 2026, jointly organized by the Polish Academy of Sciences, the University of Perugia and INFN Perugia, will take place in Rome from 16 March to 17 March 2026. This event aims to provide a platform for sharing recent advancements in the rapidly evolving field of gravitational-wave science, with a particular focus on detector science and experimental technologies.

The program will bring together researchers working on both theoretical and experimental aspects of gravitational waves, fostering exchange across different detector concepts, data analysis techniques and astrophysical applications. Talks will focus on the future of interferometric detectors, modern sensing technologies, signal processing methods and multi-messenger connections encouraging discussions that span physics, engineering and data science.

Invited speakers

prof. dr hab. Andrzej Królak, Institute of Mathematics of the Polish Academy of Sciences

prof. dr hab. Tomasz Bulik, Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw

dott. Gianluca Gemme, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, VIRGO Collaboration spoke-person

Important dates

  • Opening abstract submission: Tue, 2 Sep 2025
  • Opening registration: Tue, 7 October 2025
  • Closing abstract submission: Fri, 5 Dec 2025 (extended to Fri, 19 Dec 2025)
  • Abstract acceptance notification: Mon, 5 Jan 2026
  • Closing registration (final): Mon, 9 Mar 2026

Meeting Website

From LISA Pathfinder to LISA: Celebrating 10 years of the LPF launch, December 3-4 2025 at CSIC Catalan Delegation

On 3 December 2015, the European Space Agency launched LISA Pathfinder, a pioneering mission designed to test the technologies required to open a new window onto the Universe: the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves from space. Over its operational lifetime, LISA Pathfinder surpassed expectations, demonstrating with unprecedented precision that free-falling test masses could be shielded from all external forces, and that their motion could be tracked with picometre accuracy.

Now, ten years later, we come together to celebrate the success of this extraordinary mission, which laid the foundations for LISA, ESA’s future space-based gravitational wave observatory. LISA Pathfinder not only proved the feasibility of revolutionary instrumentation — from drag-free control to micro-newton thrusters — but also paved the way for a completely new form of astronomy. This anniversary is an opportunity to look back on a milestone in space science, and to look ahead to the scientific revolutions that LISA will bring.

Workshop Website