Overview

HWO (Habitable Worlds Observatory) is the next NASA flagship mission, planned to be launched in the early 2040's. With its very large telescope (6 to 8 m) and multiple instruments, it will address all domains of astrophysics, from cosmology, galaxy evolution and the origins of elements to our Solar System's place in the universe and life on exoplanets. 

After the inaugural HWO symposium in Washington in July 2025, the HWO community will gather close to Paris in 2026. HWO2026 is an international scientific conference bringing together researchers, engineers, and experts to discuss recent advances, ongoing developments, and future perspectives related to HWO.

The conference will provide a forum for in-depth scientific exchange through invited talks, contributed oral presentations, and poster sessions. Ample time will be allocated for discussion and interaction among participants.

HWO2026 will take place from 30 November to 4 December 2026, at a venue located very close to Paris, France, offering easy international access.

Important Dates

• Website opens: 7 April 2026
• Abstract submission opens: 15 April 2026
• Registration and grant submission open: 5 May 2026
• Abstract submission deadline: 31 May 2026
• Grant submission deadline: 31 May 2026 
• Early-bird registration deadline: 30 June 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 18 September 2026
• Registration closes: 8 November 2026
• Conference: 30 November – 4 December 2026

Registration

Registration is limited to 600 participants. You can fill the registration form now to reserve your seat and pay later by loging back into your sciencesconf account.

If you pay before June 30, early-bird registration fee applies, between July 1 and November 8 late registration fee applies. Registration will close on November 8. 

If you paid your registration and need to cancel it, we will reimburse 90% of your fee if you cancel before June 30, 50% of your fee between July 1 and November 8. We cannot reimburse your registration after November 8. 

Online attendance is currently not foreseen, but it will be made available if the maximum attendance on site (600 participants) is reached.

The following fees apply:

• Master and PhD students - early-bird: 450 euros + 10% tax
• Master and PhD students - late fee: 550 euros + 10% tax
• Standard registration (researchers, engineers, postdocs, retirees) - early-bird: 635 euros + 10% tax
• Standard registration (researchers, engineers, postdocs, retirees) - late fee: 725 euros + 10% tax
• Media representatives: free
• Accompanying person: 96 euros + 10% tax
• Children below 12 year old: free
• If your registration fee has been waived by the SOC: free 

More information on HWO

https://habitableworldsobservatory.org/

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/

 

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