SPARC26 Conference
It is our pleasure to invite you to the first ever Student Particle and Accelerator Research Conference (SPARC). As the inaugral edition SPARC26 marks the beginning of a new student-led initiative which brings together early-career researchers in experimental particle physics and particle accelerator physics. The date and location of the conference are to be confirmed.
SPARC26 is a conference of the students, by the students, for the students. It is dedicated to showcasing the work of MSc students, PhD researchers, and early postdoctoral scientists across a broad range of topics in particle and accelerator physics. The programme will feature selected talks in experimental particle physics, alongside dedicated contributions in particle accelerator physics, as well as a poster session designed to highlight emerging research and encourage discussion.
The scientific programme will be complemented by keynote talks from invited speakers, as well as a poster and networking event aimed at fostering collaboration and building connections within the next generation of the community. Sponsorship opportunities will also be available for those wishing to support this new initiative and gain visibility among early-career researchers.
We warmly encourage students and early-career researchers to contribute to SPARC26 by submitting abstracts for posters presentations and talks. To do this head over to our registration page and fill out the relevant forms (link below).
We look forward to welcoming you to the very first SPARC conference.
Registration details can be at SPARC26 - Registration.
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)
The Hubble and BAO Tensions: Systematics and Possible Solutions
Host Institution: Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), University of Portsmouth
Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026
Lead organizer: José Antonio Nájera (antonio.najera@port.ac.uk)
Other committee members: Dr. Indranil Banik (Portsmouth), Edward Charleton (Southampton), Nikolaos Shiamtanis (Southampton)
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 (University of Sussex, University of Southampton, Queen Mary University of London, University of Hertfordshire, and Royal Holloway University of London). Sceptics of the Hubble and/or BAO tensions are also welcome.
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 and future tests.
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. However, more senior researchers and people outside SEPnet are welcome to participate.
Registration and abstract submission
Please use the link below to register and also to submit an abstract for a talk or poster. Multiple submissions are allowed, but at most one talk and one poster will be granted per person. The deadline for talk requests is 31st May 2026. Limited funds are available to reimburse travel costs for early career researchers from elsewhere in SEPnet. There will be a closing reception afterwards, please let us know on the form if you wish to attend it.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/HPnHWTjikk
For more information please contact José Antonio Nájera at antonio.najera@port.ac.uk
