APRIM 2026 brings Nobel-level astrophysics and space science summit to Hong Kong for the first time

In a landmark development for the region’s scientific community, Hong Kong has been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM) for the first time. Dubbed the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science,” this prestigious event will take place from May 4 to 8, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Organised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and hosted by The University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research (LSR), the conference will feature Nobel and Shaw laureates, together with other distinguished scientists from around the world. As a leading astronomical gathering in the Asia-Pacific, the event represents a significant milestone for Hong Kong, underscoring its pivotal role in fundamental research, STEM education, and international collaboration.

Professor Quentin Parker, Chair of the APRIM2026 and Director of the HKU Laboratory for Space Research, noted that bringing the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science” to Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s capacity to serve as a global nexus for astrophysics and space science.

“As Chair of this historic meeting, I am honoured to welcome the global Astrophysics and Space Science community to Hong Kong. We aim to use this platform not only to showcase our city’s capabilities in the ‘New Space’ era but to inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue the unknown,” said Prof. Parker.

Professor Xue Suijian, former Deputy Director of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attributed the IAU’s decision to Hong Kong’s highly international environment and academic excellence. He highlighted the city’s growing contributions to deep-space exploration, planetary science, and big data analysis, cementing its role as a bridge for international scientific exchange.

While rooted in academic rigour, APRIM 2026 also addresses the paradigm shift from government-led initiatives to the democratised era of “New Space.” The conference offers a platform that links theoretical astrophysics with real-world applications.

Aligning with the global scientific agenda, the conference is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 experts. Discussions will span from the origins of the universe to emerging directions in space exploration, covering key areas such as Planetary Science, Stellar Evolution, and Cosmology. The event will also seek to bridge academia and industry, exploring how frontier technologies can contribute to addressing global challenges.

A defining feature of APRIM2026 is its focus on “Space Sustainability.” With the growing density of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit, the scientific community faces urgent challenges, particularly in relation to space debris and light pollution.

Through dedicated sessions and public engagement, the conference will tackle these critical issues, advocating for responsible stewardship of the cosmic environment. By integrating these discussions with outreach sessions including youth-focused workshops, the event aims to cultivate a scientifically literate generation ready to steward the future of space exploration.

Professor Luis C. Ho, Director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University, described the meeting as a vital platform for strengthening Asia-Pacific research collaboration. He noted that the event marks a shift from pure fundamental research to industrial application, allowing high-tech solutions to serve the public and open the “blue ocean” of the space economy.

Event Details of APRIM2026

Date: May 4 – 8, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

Event Highlights: 1. Nobel-Level Insights: Plenary sessions led by 5 winners of the Nobel Prize, Shaw Prize, and Gruber Prize, analyzing frontiers like black holes and cosmic expansion.
2. Space Sustainability (ESG): A dedicated parallel session addressing space debris and satellite interference.
3. Global Status: Hong Kong’s first time hosting this major regional event, collaborating with HKU, HKUST, PolyU etc.

• Prof. Brian Schmidt: 2011 Nobel Laureate; IAU President-elect

• Prof. Victoria Kaspi: 2021 Shaw Prize Laureate; Professor, McGill University

• Prof. Matthew Bailes: 2023 Shaw Prize Laureate; Professor, Swinburne University of Technology

• Prof. Shri Kulkarni: 2024 Shaw Prize Laureate; Professor, Caltech

• Prof. Luis C. Ho, Director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University

• Prof. Yang Gao: Co-Director of Space Science and Technology Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• Dr. Xuejun Zhang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; The President of Changchun Institute of Optics Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences

• Prof. Qiang Wang, Director of Technology and Engineering, Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU)

Get ready for plenty of cuteness and cheers as Ocean Park throws a Lunar Fiesta from 17 February to 22 March 2026. The adorable animal pals are getting into the swing of things with creative New Year-themed enrichments from their caretakers, designed to tickle their senses and guarantee some truly paw-some photo ops for everyone!

At The Grand Aquarium, the seahorses are getting into the spirit, swimming amidst colourful decorations. They are leading the charge for the Year of the Horse in a splash-tastic spectacle! Joining the festive fun are Taro the green turtle and Fat Ball the pufferfish, making waves with the celebratory adornments throughout their aquatic home.

At the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures, giant pandas An An and Ke Ke are joining the festive frolics with their very own Fai Chun, playful firecrackers, and even a miniature New Year snack stall to explore!

The Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys are also getting a fun, refreshing experience thanks to the eye-catching ice sculptures adorned with festive Chinese characters, and playful monkey-shaped treats made of carrots and fibre biscuits specially crafted for them by their caretakers.

At Giant Panda Adventure, the adorable panda family – Le Le, Ying Ying, and the twins Jia Jia and De De, who now weigh 46kg and 50kg respectively – excitedly unwrap their super-cute New Year gifts. Expect lucky bamboo bits with auspicious messages, icy red packets, jolly festive gourds, paper horse and some stimulating toys, all promising oodles of giggles and sending out buckets of good luck for a galloping Year of the Horse!

Red panda Cong Cong dives into the festive spirit as well and playfully interacts with a traditional fortune stick container. What fortunes will the adorable red panda draw for the new year? A truly delightful sight!

Over at the Sloth and Friends Studio, the Park’s macaws, two-toed sloth Sonic and kinkajou Aviv are having a blast! As new neighbours after the attraction’s upgrade and reopening by the end of 2025, this is their very first Chinese New Year celebration together, and they are making it memorable with colourful treats like paper firecrackers, lanterns, radish peach blossom trees, special Fai Chun bursting with auspicious wishes and even rice cakes lovingly prepared with carrot juice.

These utterly charming enrichments celebrate the Year of the Horse, inviting locals and tourists to catch the furry, feathered and finned friends having a blast, and create unforgettable, giggle-inducing memories at Ocean Park.

A highlight of the fiesta will be a spectacular performance on the first day of the Chinese New Year, 17 February 2026. At 9:15am, eight elaborately costumed lions and one majestic dragon will take centre stage at Ocean Park’s Main Entrance, delivering a powerful display symbolising strength, unity, and good fortune. Trot on down to Ocean Park for a lively, photo-filled Lunar New Year celebration!

Ocean Park’s float is set to make a prominent appearance in the 2026 Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade. This year’s magnificent float proudly showcases the beloved giant panda family as they transform into the charming Panda Friends characters in their finest festive attire, accompanied by other adorable animal ambassadors, Whiskers & Friends, and beautifully complemented by the Park’s iconic attractions including Ocean Express, Cable Cars, The Grand Aquarium, among others. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for a closer look at the float in the Park after the Night Parade from 18 February to 3 March 2026 (the 15th day of the first lunar month) and capture beautiful memories for a joyful start of the Year of the Horse!

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APRIM 2026 brings Nobel-level astrophysics and space science summit to Hong Kong for the first time