European Conference on Laboratory Astrophysics

ECLA 2026, “Exploring the cold universe”

The cold Universe including interstellar clouds, protoplanetary disks, icy bodies, and planetary atmospheres, is central to understanding cosmic evolution and the emergence of chemical complexity, including the precursors of life. High-resolution observations from ALMA and JWST provide unprecedented insight into the composition and evolution of gas, ice, and dust across a wide range of astrophysical environments, while also advancing our understanding of (exo)planetary atmospheres. Interpreting these observations requires accurate laboratory data and robust theoretical models. Progress in the field relies on a broad range of approaches, including laboratory astrophysics, spectroscopy, reaction kinetics, and surface and ice chemistry, to characterize the physical and chemical processes operating in space. ECLA is the platform to not only bring the laboratory astrophysics community together, but also researchers from different disciplines discuss these challenges and advance understanding of the processes shaping planetary systems and the origins of chemical complexity relevant to life.

Important information for participants

Registration fee for attending the conference is 470 Euro. The conference fee includes Lunches (except on Friday afternoon), conference dinner and bus ride to and from conference site.

During the registration process, you will be asked to provide a title and abstract for your contribution (talk/poster) in the form of a 1-page PDF-file. The invited speakers have already been selected by the SOC members. The contributed talks/posters, including information about talk slots and length, will be decided by the SOC after abstract submission closes. Submit your abstract and potential title for a talk/poster presentation using only the template (.docx).

Deadline Reminder:
Please note that the deadline for both abstract submission and registration is 15 June 2026.
Limited Capacity:
The conference has a maximum capacity of 150 participants. Registrations will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register as soon as possible.
Poster Presentation Expectation:
Participants who are not selected for a contributed talk can present their work in the form of a poster
Registration Confirmation:
After completing your registration, you will automatically receive a confirmation email containing a copy of your registration details. Minor changes, such as affiliation updates, can be made afterward.
Attendance Without Abstract Submission:
Participants are welcome to attend the conference after completing registration and payment, even if they do not submit an abstract.
Abstract Resubmission:
Abstracts may be resubmitted or updated at a later date before the submission deadline. If you intend to do so, please indicate this in the Comments/Suggestions section of the registration form and notify the organizers via email at ecla.heidelberg2026@gmail.com.