The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced an upcoming conference titled “Enriching the Universe: From Primordial Nucleosynthesis to Exoplanet Atmospheres.” This event, organized in collaboration with the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), is set to occur in Vienna, Austria, from April 13 to 16, 2026. The timing aligns closely with the 36th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope launch.
As both the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continue their scientific operations, they are revealing numerous cosmic mysteries, marking a thrilling era for the field of astronomy. The conference will delve into a crucial area of research: the chemical evolution of the universe. This encompasses everything from the creation of heavy elements in the earliest stars to the enrichment of galaxies through generations of star formation and stellar death. The discussions will also explore the intricate chemistry within the interstellar medium and stellar environments, which contribute to the molecules now being studied in exoplanet and solar system atmospheres.
In April, the Hubble mission celebrated its remarkable 35 years of operation, continually surprising the scientific community with its discoveries. This long-term collaboration between NASA and ESA has established Hubble as an invaluable asset, particularly due to its unique ultraviolet-visible capabilities that will remain unmatched for years ahead. Meanwhile, the JWST, now in its fourth year of science operations, is significantly altering the astronomical landscape with its exceptional infrared imaging and spectroscopy capabilities.
A noteworthy example of the synergistic efforts between the two missions is the ongoing “Rocky Worlds” program, which utilizes Director”s Discretionary Time to advance scientific understanding.
Abstract submissions for the conference are currently open, and the program will feature a mix of invited talks, contributed presentations, posters, and breakout discussions. The conference aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. Organizers look forward to welcoming attendees to Vienna in 2026.
For further inquiries, please reach out to the ESA/HST & ESA/JWST Project Scientist at the ESA Office, STScI Baltimore, USA, via email at [email protected].
