SPARC26 Conference
Join us for the Student Particle and Accelerator Research Conference 2026. SPARC26 is a unique, student-led event bringing together the next generation of researchers in experimental particle physics and accelerator science. Open to MSc and PhD researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections across these closely linked fields.
Over an engaging one-day, in-person programme, attendees will experience a mix of student talks, invited expert speakers, interactive Q&A sessions, and a vibrant poster session. Carefully curated to encourage cross-discipline interaction, the conference bridges the gap between particle and accelerator physics by ensuring participants gain insights beyond their immediate research area.
Whether you’re presenting for the first time or looking to expand your network, SPARC26 offers a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports early-career development, fosters collaboration, and highlights cutting-edge research shaping the future of the field.
A conference of the students, by the students, for the students.
To express an interest in the event please contact Tiago Fernandes de Nóbrega
tiago.fernandesdenobrega@rhul.ac.uk
Registration details to follow.
The Hubble and BAO Tensions: Systematics and Possible Solutions- A Student Led Conference
Host Institution: Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), University of PortsmouthLead organizer: Jose Antonio Najera (antonio.najera@port.ac.uk)
Overview
The standard model of Cosmology (ΛCDM) is currently facing a fundamental crisis coming from increasing and persistent observational discrepancies. This one-day, student-led conference aims to deepen our understanding of the 7.1σ C.L. Hubble and the 2.65σ C.L. BAO tensions.
We are looking to facilitate a critical dialogue between theorists and observers to determine if these problems signal hidden systematics or new physics beyond the standard ΛCDM model. This event serves as a collaborative bridge between the observational expertise at the University of Portsmouth and the theoretical and statistical strengths of SEPnet partners (Sussex, Southampton, QMUL, Hertfordshire, and Royal Holloway).
Why attend?
ECR-led dialogue: this conference is targeted at early career researchers (ECRs) to lead the discussion. ECRs will act as presenters, session chairs and moderators.
Thematic sessions: the day will be organised into three blocks:
1. Introducing the Hubble and BAO tensions.
2. Exploring possible systematics.
3. Potential theoretical solutions.
Network and collaboration: the schedule includes a collaborative lunch and a closing dinner to facilitate long-term cooperation.
Expert mentorship: Senior researchers from the ICG will serve as expert mentors by providing scientific oversight of the program, assisting ECR moderators in facilitating technical Q&A sessions, and providing pedagogical feedback to student presenters.
Who should participate?
We primarily aim to welcome PhD students and postdocs from SEPnet consortium institutions, specifically those working in Astrophysics, Cosmology and Theoretical Physics.
This is an opportunity whether you are working on data calibration or theoretical solutions.
For more information or to express an interest in attending, please contact Jose Antonio Najera at
CASE 2026 - a Pre-Amplitudes Meeting
Tuesday 5th May, SPECTRA Building, University of Hertfordshire
Correlators and Amplitudes in the South East (CASE) 2026 is a postgraduate meeting funded by the graduate school of the South East Physics Network (GRADnet). The goal is to bring together early-career researchers interested in correlators, scattering amplitudes and related areas of mathematical and theoretical physics. Everyone is welcome to give their contribution with a talk (20 to 30 minutes long) or a poster. We would like to create a friendly and informal environment where you can exchange ideas, discuss ongoing work, and build connections within the community. The meeting should also provide a good opportunity for people working in related areas to know each other ahead of Amplitudes 2026, which will take place at the end of June in Queen Mary University of London. The meeting will also feature one or two senior speakers TBD.
Website: case2026.com
If you have enquiries feel free to contact the organisers:
Mattia Capuano (m.capuano@herts.ac.uk), Alessandro (Allie) Palazio (a.palazio@herts.ac.uk) - local organisers
Rowan Wright (rowan.wright@soton.ac.uk)
Augustus (Gus) Brown (a.a.x.brown@qmul.ac.uk)
accelerator science. Open to MSc and PhD researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections across these closely linked fields.
Over an engaging one-day, in-person programme, attendees will experience a mix of student talks, invited expert speakers, interactive Q&A sessions, and a vibrant poster session. Carefully curated to encourage cross-discipline interaction, the conference bridges the gap between particle and accelerator physics by ensuring participants gain insights beyond their immediate research area.
Whether you’re presenting for the first time or looking to expand your network, SPARC26 offers a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports early-career development, fosters collaboration, and highlights cutting-edge research shaping the future of the field.
A conference of the students, by the students, for the students.
To express an interest in the event please contact Tiago Fernandes de Nóbrega
tiago.fernandesdenobrega@rhul.ac.uk
Registration details to follow.
The Hubble and BAO Tensions: Systematics and Possible Solutions- A Student Led Conference
Host Institution: Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), University of PortsmouthLead organizer: Jose Antonio Najera (antonio.najera@port.ac.uk)
Overview
The standard model of Cosmology (ΛCDM) is currently facing a fundamental crisis coming from increasing and persistent observational discrepancies. This one-day, student-led conference aims to deepen our understanding of the 7.1σ C.L. Hubble and the 2.65σ C.L. BAO tensions.
We are looking to facilitate a critical dialogue between theorists and observers to determine if these problems signal hidden systematics or new physics beyond the standard ΛCDM model. This event serves as a collaborative bridge between the observational expertise at the University of Portsmouth and the theoretical and statistical strengths of SEPnet partners (Sussex, Southampton, QMUL, Hertfordshire, and Royal Holloway).
Why attend?
ECR-led dialogue: this conference is targeted at early career researchers (ECRs) to lead the discussion. ECRs will act as presenters, session chairs and moderators.
Thematic sessions: the day will be organised into three blocks:
1. Introducing the Hubble and BAO tensions.
2. Exploring possible systematics.
3. Potential theoretical solutions.
Network and collaboration: the schedule includes a collaborative lunch and a closing dinner to facilitate long-term cooperation.
Expert mentorship: Senior researchers from the ICG will serve as expert mentors by providing scientific oversight of the program, assisting ECR moderators in facilitating technical Q&A sessions, and providing pedagogical feedback to student presenters.
Who should participate?
We primarily aim to welcome PhD students and postdocs from SEPnet consortium institutions, specifically those working in Astrophysics, Cosmology and Theoretical Physics.
This is an opportunity whether you are working on data calibration or theoretical solutions.
For more information or to express an interest in attending, please contact Jose Antonio Najera at
CASE 2026 - a Pre-Amplitudes Meeting
Tuesday 5th May, SPECTRA Building, University of Hertfordshire
Correlators and Amplitudes in the South East (CASE) 2026 is a postgraduate meeting funded by the graduate school of the South East Physics Network (GRADnet). The goal is to bring together early-career researchers interested in correlators, scattering amplitudes and related areas of mathematical and theoretical physics. Everyone is welcome to give their contribution with a talk (20 to 30 minutes long) or a poster. We would like to create a friendly and informal environment where you can exchange ideas, discuss ongoing work, and build connections within the community. The meeting should also provide a good opportunity for people working in related areas to know each other ahead of Amplitudes 2026, which will take place at the end of June in Queen Mary University of London. The meeting will also feature one or two senior speakers TBD.
Website: case2026.com
If you have enquiries feel free to contact the organisers:
Mattia Capuano (m.capuano@herts.ac.uk), Alessandro (Allie) Palazio (a.palazio@herts.ac.uk) - local organisers
Rowan Wright (rowan.wright@soton.ac.uk)
Augustus (Gus) Brown (a.a.x.brown@qmul.ac.uk)
