Student-led Conferences 2026
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
Scattering Amplitudes and Cosmological Correlators across Physics and Mathematics
Late April / May at University of Hertfordshire (tentative) exact dates and location to be announced
Our conference Scattering Amplitudes and Cosmological Correlators across Physics and Mathematics, is likely to take place in late April or May 2026. The goal is to bring together researchers working on scattering amplitudes, cosmological correlators, and related areas of mathematical physics.
The Conference is specifically aimed at early career researchers. If you are a PhD student or an early-stage postdoc working in these areas, you are encouraged to take part, present your work, and meet peers with similar interests. We would like to create a friendly and informal environment where you can exchange ideas, discuss ongoing work, and build connections within the community.
Over the past years, the study of scattering amplitudes has uncovered many remarkable structures in quantum field theory and gravity. At the same time, related ideas are increasingly being applied to cosmological observables, such as cosmological correlators and the wave function of the universe. Many of these developments involve mathematical structures that appear naturally in physics, including geometric and combinatorial frameworks and tools such as cluster algebras. One aim at this conference is to explore these connections between physics and mathematics and to encourage discussion across the two communities.
You are welcome to contribute to the scientific program: we are currently looking for prospective speakers, particularly among PhD students and early career researchers who would like to present their work (tentative talk length: 20-30 minutes). There will also be a poster session, if you are more inclined to present your work with this medium.
The conference should also provide a good opportunity to meet people working in related areas ahead of the larger Amplitudes 2026 conference, which will take place at the end of June.
Lunch, coffee breaks, and dinner will be provided during the meeting to encourage discussion and interaction throughout the day.
The careful reader might have noticed a few tentative elements in this announcement. Further details, including exact dates, the venue, and information on how to apply to give a talk or present a poster, will be announced soon.
In the meantime, feel free to contact Allie (a.palazio@herts.ac.uk), the lead organiser, to express your interest and spread the news with your family and friends!
