The Interstellar Research Group is pleased to announce the upcoming special symposia hosted by The Venetian Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts in association with The Interstellar Research Group and The International Academy of Astronautics.
Our objective is to foster an exchange on various aspects of interstellar travel, including human and robotic exploration, power systems, communications, system reliability, psychology, crew health, anthropology, legal regimes, ethics, propulsion, potential destinations (including exoplanet research), life support systems, and habitats.
Join us and the world’s experts in exoplanet research, advanced space propulsion, power, life support, communications, and more will gather to share their findings and propose innovative solutions to enable our future journeys to planets circling other stars.
We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Venice, Italy!
2-4 December 2026
Symposia Announcement
We are pleased to share that the 2nd European Interstellar Symposium Call for Papers is open.
2026 Scientific Committee
Paolo Villoresi,
2026 Symposium Chair,
Univ. of Padua and Venetian Institute of Sci. Lett. and Arts, Italy
Les Johnson,
Program Chair, Interstellar Research Group, USA
Patrizia Caraveo,
Italian Institute of Astrophysics and Venetian Institute of Sci. Lett. and Arts, Italy
Joseph Meany,
President, Interstellar Research Group, USA
Andreas Hein,
Univ. of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Roberto Ragazzoni,
Italian Institute of Astrophysics,Univ. of Padua and Venetian Institute of Sci. Lett. and Arts, Italy
Interstellar space is not the domain of any one discipline. It demands insight from across the full spectrum of human knowledge, creativity, and professional practice. While this includes science, engineering, philosophy, communications, media, policy, and the arts, these are only examples.
We welcome contributions from any field, industry, or perspective that helps advance interstellar exploration, understanding, and public engagement.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 Jul 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 15 Sep 2026
Space exploration is a multidisciplinary challenge. For this reason, the symposium is
organized with diverse topical sessions:
Astrophysics, objective selection and interstellar medium studies;
Extrasolar object observations;
Spacecraft engineering, propulsion, communications, sustainability;
Crew health, psychology and physiology;
Astrobiology;
Diplomacy, legislation and policy
Interstellar implications, studies of holistic significance.
On Dec. 1st there will also be a seminar half-day: these are 3-hour presentations on a single subject, providing an in depth look at that subject.
The following accommodation options are suggested for participants attending the Interstellar Symposium Meeting in Venice. The list is provided for convenience only. Participants are kindly invited to contact the hotels directly to check availability, rates, booking conditions, and any updated information.
Note: This list does not constitute an endorsement or booking guarantee. Please contact the accommodation facilities directly for reservations and for the most up-to-date information.
| Hotel | Address | Phone / Fax | Website | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Culturale Don Orione Artigianelli | Zattere Dorsoduro 909/A - 30123 Venezia | Tel. +39 0415224077 Fax +39 0415286214 | info@donorione-venezia.it | http://www.donorione-venezia.it/ | Most frequently used by the Istituto Veneto. |
| Foresteria Fondazione Ugo e Olga Levi | San Vidal 2894 30124 Venezia, Italy | Tel. +39 0412770542 Fax +39 041786766 | info@foresterialevi.it | https://www.foresterialevi.it/ | |
| Domus Ciliota | S. Marco 2976 - Calle delle Muneghe - 30124 Venezia | Tel. +39 0415204888 Fax +39 0415212730 | info@ciliota.it | http://www.ciliota.it/ | |
| Best Western Hotel Ala | San Marco 2494 - 30124 Venezia | Tel. +39 0415208333 Fax +39 0415206390 | info@hotelala.it | http://www.hotelala.it | |
| Hotel Agli Alboretti | Accademia, 884 - 30123 Venezia | Tel. +39 0415230058 Fax +39 0415210158 | info@aglialboretti.com | http://www.aglialboretti.com | |
| Hotel American Dinesen | Dorsoduro, 628 - 30123 Venezia | Tel. +39 0415204733 Fax +39 0415204048 | reception@hotelamerican.com | http://www.hotelamerican.it |
All sessions are organized to include a keynote and invited speakers, panels, and posters.
Contributions must be original work that has not been previously published.
If you need assistance please contact support@irg.space