If you study or teach physics, materials science, quantum computing, or related fields, the 2026 calendar offers an exceptional range of conferences across Europe, North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and Australia. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the schedule, identify key themes, especially quantum technologies, AI applications in physics, plasma physics and fusion energy, and gravitational wave research, and meet critical submission deadlines. If you are considering attending any conference in person, remember to explore options for sabbatical housing or short-term rentals in these host cities.
General & Foundational Physics: The Premier International Gatherings
These comprehensive conferences span multiple areas of physics and represent the field’s largest, most influential gatherings.
German Physical Society Meeting of the Condensed Matter Section (DPG)
The DPG Spring Meeting is among the largest physics conferences in Europe, bringing together more than 5,300 physicists to showcase research, connect with colleagues, and discover groundbreaking physics. The 2026 meeting focuses on condensed matter physics, AI in materials science, and sustainability themes. Sessions cover chemical and polymer physics, dynamics and statistical physics, magnetism, metal and material physics, and emerging technologies.
- Date: March 8–13, 2026
- Location: Dresden, Germany
- Social Media: Facebook: @DPGPhysik | Instagram: @DPGPhysik
- Hashtags: #DPG2026, #CondensedMatterPhysics
American Physical Society Global Physics Summit 2026 (APS)
The APS Global Physics Summit is the world’s largest physics research conference, uniting over 14,000 scientific community members across all disciplines of physics. The 2026 theme is “Science for a Shared Future,” emphasizing collaboration across backgrounds, borders, and disciplines to solve major challenges. The meeting combines the traditional March Meeting and April Meeting into one collaborative week, featuring sessions on quantum physics, condensed matter, astrophysics, gravitational waves, and climate physics. Both in-person and virtual participation options are available.
- Date: March 15–20, 2026
- Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @apsphysics | Facebook: @apsphysics
- Hashtags: #APSGlobalSummit, #PhysicsForSharedFuture
43rd International Conference on High Energy Physics (ICHEP 2026)
ICHEP is the premier biennial conference in particle physics, organized by the C11 commission of IUPAP. For over 50 years, ICHEP has been the leading venue for presenting discoveries in high-energy physics. The 2026 conference marks the first time ICHEP will be hosted in Latin America, reflecting the region’s thriving HEP community. Topics include particle astrophysics, neutrino physics, CP violation, dark matter, accelerator research, and beyond Standard Model physics.
- Date: July 30 – August 5, 2026
- Location: Natal, Brazil
- Social Media: Facebook: @ICHEP-2026
- Hashtags: #ICHEP2026, #HighEnergyPhysics
Optics, Photonics & Quantum Technologies
These conferences focus on optical communications, laser technologies, quantum computing, and photonics research.
International Society for Optics and Photonics West 2026 (SPIE)
SPIE Photonics West is the world’s leading event for lasers, biomedical optics, quantum technologies, and optoelectronics. With more than 100 technical conferences, 150 special events, and 1,200+ exhibiting companies, Photonics West showcases cutting-edge advancements in optics and photonics. The 2026 edition introduces the new Vision Tech conference and exhibition, focusing on intelligent imaging and sensing. Six major application areas are featured: BiOS (biomedical optics), LASE (laser technology), OPTO (optoelectronics), Quantum West, AR/VR/MR, and Vision Tech.
- Date: January 17–22, 2026
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @SPIE.org | Instagram: @spiephotonics
- Hashtags: #PhotonicsWest2026, #QuantumWest
Quantum Information Processing Conference (QIP 2026)
QIP is the premier annual meeting for theoretical quantum information processing research, covering quantum algorithms, quantum complexity theory, quantum cryptography, and experimental implementations. The conference brings together leading researchers from computer science, physics, and mathematics to advance the frontiers of quantum information science.
- Date: January 24–30, 2026
- Location: Riga, Latvia
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @universitatelv | Instagram: @universitate
- Hashtags: #QIP2026, #QuantumComputing
Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition 2026 (OFC)
The OFC Conference 2026 is the world’s largest event for optical communications and networking professionals. OFC showcases trends and technologies impacting global communications, with peer-reviewed research, dynamic business programs, and a major exhibition. The 2026 program features plenary sessions addressing AI-driven network architectures, hyperscale datacenters, laser-based communications, and energy efficiency in data centers.
- Date: March 15–19, 2026
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @OFCConference | Youtube: @OFCNFOEC
- Hashtags: #OFC26, #OpticalCommunications
IEEE International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing (QCNC 2026)
QCNC 2026 brings together theorists, experimentalists, and engineers building the Quantum Internet. The conference addresses progress, challenges, and new directions for quantum repeaters and networks, including key enabling technologies, system integration, protocols for network links, and large-scale network architectures.
- Date: April 6–8, 2026
- Location: Kobe, Japan
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @ieeeorg | Instagram: @ieeeorg
- Hashtags: #QCNC2026, #QuantumNetworking
Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference
Optica Quantum 2.0 focuses on photonics as an enabling technology for quantum applications, from investigation through prototype development to commercial solutions. The conference covers quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communications, and related technologies.
- Date: June 15–18, 2026
- Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @opticaworldwide | Facebook: @opticaworldwide
- Hashtags: #OpticaQuantum, #Quantum2point0
Materials Science & Condensed Matter Physics
These conferences focus on advanced materials, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, and materials engineering.
World Summit on Condensed Matter Physics (WSCMP 2026)
WSCMP 2026 brings together leading scientists, researchers, and engineers to explore the latest advancements in condensed matter physics. The summit features plenary lectures, invited talks, contributed presentations, and poster sessions spanning theoretical and experimental research, with special sessions for early-career researchers.
- Date: April 2–4, 2026
- Location: Osaka, Japan
- Hashtags: #WSCMP2026, #CondensedMatter
Materials Research Society Spring Meeting & Exhibit 2026 (MRS)
The MRS 2026 brings together materials researchers from academia, industry, government, and national laboratories for a week of cross-disciplinary collaboration and scientific exchange. Set against the backdrop of Honolulu, the 2026 meeting features breakthroughs in sustainable manufacturing, advanced characterization, energy materials, and unconventional computing. Technical programming spans four official venues in the city’s walkable layout.
- Date: April 26 – May 1, 2026
- Location: Honolulu, Hawai’i, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @Materials_MRS | Facebook: @materials.research.society
- Hashtags: #MRSSpring2026, #MaterialsResearch
Condensed Matter and Quantum Materials Conference (CMQM26)
CMQM26 is organized by the Institute of Physics and brings together researchers working on condensed matter physics and quantum materials. Topics include superconductivity, magnetism, topological materials, quantum phase transitions, and emerging quantum technologies.
- Date: June 30 – July 3, 2026
- Location: Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @PhysicsNews | Facebook: @instituteofphysics
- Hashtags: #CMQM2026, #QuantumMaterials
Materials Science & Technology 2026 (MS&T26)
MS&T26 is a multidisciplinary conference offering opportunities to connect with materials scientists and engineers across academia and industry. Co-located with TMS Fall Meeting and Superalloy 718 Derivatives symposium, the event covers metallurgical processing, materials behavior, and microstructural performance.
- Date: October 4–7, 2026
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @MSTmeeting
- Hashtags: #MST2026, #MaterialsScience
Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy
These conferences focus on plasma science, nuclear fusion, and energy applications.
European Physical Society 52nd Conference on Plasma Physics (EPS)
The EPS Conference on Plasma Physics is the largest annual scientific event in Europe dedicated to plasma physics research. The 52nd conference will be held in Edinburgh, bringing together leading scientists from dozens of countries. Topics include magnetic confinement fusion, inertial confinement fusion, basic plasma physics, laser-plasma interactions, astrophysical plasmas, low-temperature plasmas, and plasma applications.
- Date: June 29 – July 3, 2026
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Social Media: Twitter: @EuroPhysSoc | Facebook: @europeanphysicalsociety
- Hashtags: #EPS2026, #PlasmaPhysics
10th Division of Plasma Physics Conference (AAPPS-DPP)
The AAPPS-DPP conference is the premier plasma physics meeting in the Asia-Pacific region, covering magnetic confinement fusion, inertial confinement fusion, laser plasma physics, astrophysical plasmas, and fundamental plasma science. The conference brings together researchers from across Asia and the Pacific.
- Date: October 11–17, 2026
- Location: Busan, South Korea
- Social Media: Website: aappsdpp.org
- Hashtags: #AAPPSDPP2026, #AsiaPacificPlasma
68th American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics Annual Meeting (APS)
The APS Division of Plasma Physics annual meeting is the premier conference for plasma physics in North America, covering fusion energy, space and astrophysical plasmas, low-temperature plasmas, and basic plasma science. The meeting brings together experimentalists, theorists, and computational scientists.
- Date: November 2–6, 2026
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @APSPhysics | Facebook: @apsphysics
- Hashtags: #APSDPP2026, #FusionEnergy
International Congress on Plasma Physics
The International Congress on Plasma Physics is a major global gathering for plasma scientists, covering all areas of plasma physics from fusion to astrophysics to industrial applications.
- Date: December 7–11, 2026
- Location: Hyderabad, India
- Social Media: Facebook: @IITDelhi
- Hashtags: #ICPP2026, #PlasmaPhysics
Astrophysics, Cosmology & Gravitational Physics
These conferences focus on astrophysical phenomena, cosmological research, and gravitational wave science.
2nd International Conference on Gravitation, Astrophysics and Cosmology (ICGAC 2026)
ICGAC 2026 gathers scholars from around the world to present the latest research outcomes in gravitation, astrophysics, and cosmology. The conference provides an ideal environment for making new scientific collaborations and discussing advances in these interconnected fields.
- Date: April 16–18, 2026
- Location: Paris, France
- Hashtags: #ICGAC2026, #Cosmology
4th International Summit on Gravitation, Astrophysics, and Cosmology (ISGAC 2026)
ISGAC 2026 brings together leading experts to discuss the latest advancements in gravitational physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Topics include gravitational physics and lensing, wave-particle duality, applied relativity, stellar and solar physics, alternative theories of gravity, jet physics, and neutrino cosmology. The conference continues the mission of fostering collaboration and inspiring innovation in gravitational physics research.
- Date: April 20–22, 2026
- Location: Frankfurt, Germany
- Hashtags: #ISGAC2026, #GravitationalPhysics
4th World Summit on Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Science (ASTROSUMMIT 2026)
ASTROSUMMIT 2026 brings together visionary minds, pioneering research, and cutting-edge advancements in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. The summit serves as a dynamic platform to exchange ideas, forge meaningful partnerships, and explore new frontiers in cosmic discovery. A special workshop focuses on SpaceLand Mars Habitats design.
- Date: June 22–23, 2026
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Hashtags: #ASTROSUMMIT2026, #SpaceScience
Biophysics & Interdisciplinary Physics
These conferences bridge physics with biology, medicine, and other interdisciplinary fields.
Biophysical Society 70th Annual Meeting
The Biophysical Society Annual Meeting is the premier international forum for biophysicists, bringing together over 6,000 scientists to share the latest research and developments. The meeting includes symposia, workshops, 15 subgroup programs, platform presentations, and more than 4,000 poster presentations.
- Date: February 21-25, 2026
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @BiophysicalSoc | Facebook: @iophysicalsociety
- Hashtags: #BPS2026, #Biophysics
International Conference on Biological Physics (ICBP 2026)
IBP 2026 invites experts in biological physics worldwide under the auspices of IUPAP. The conference is multidisciplinary, welcoming researchers from mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and information science. The 2026 IUPAP Medal for “Physics of Life” will be announced and awarded at the conference. Topics span molecular biophysics, cellular mechanics, biological networks, and biophysical techniques.
- Date: June 28 – July 3, 2026
- Location: Genoa, Italy
- Hashtags: #ICBP2026, #BiologicalPhysics
Regional & Specialized Physics Meetings
These specialized conferences focus on specific regions or physics subdisciplines.
48th Annual Condensed Matter and Materials Meeting (Wagga2026) / 6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Condensed Matter Physics (AC2MP)
This joint meeting of Wagga2026 and AC2MP focuses on condensed matter physics and materials science in the Australian context, bringing together researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Date: February 9–13, 2026
- Location: Wagga Wagga, Australia
- Social Media: Facebook: @ausphysics | LinkedIn: @the-australian-institute-of-physics
- Hashtags: #AC2MP2026, #AustralianPhysics
Global Applied & Interdisciplinary Physics Congress (GAIPC 2026)
GAIPC brings together physicists working on applied and interdisciplinary problems, from physics education to policy issues to industrial applications. The congress emphasizes the societal impact of physics research.
- Date: April 6–7, 2026
- Location: Paris, France
- Hashtags: #GAIPC2026, #AppliedPhysics
Optica Advanced Photonics Congress
The Optica Advanced Photonics Congress showcases cutting-edge research in advanced photonics materials, integrated photonics, and emerging optical technologies.
- Date: July 26–30, 2026
- Location: Long Beach, California, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @opticaworldwide | Facebook: @opticaworldwide
- Hashtags: #OpticaPhotonics, #AdvancedPhotonics
26th Congress of the Australian Institute of Physics
The AIP Congress is Australia’s premier physics conference, covering all areas of physics research and education. The 2026 congress brings together physicists from across Australia and the region to share research, discuss physics education, and address policy issues affecting the physics community.
- Date: December 6–11, 2026
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Social Media: Facebook: @ausphysics | LinkedIn: @the-australian-institute-of-physics
- Hashtags: #AIP2026, #PhysicsAustralia
Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Physics Conferences
1. When should I start preparing my conference submission?
Most major physics conferences have abstract deadlines 4–6 months before the event. For 2026 conferences, many deadlines fall in late 2025 (October–December). Start planning your research presentation at least 2–3 months before the deadline to allow time for drafting, feedback from advisors, and revisions. Early preparation also increases your chances of securing university travel funding.
2. What’s the difference between a poster session and a talk?
Poster sessions allow for more interactive, one-on-one discussions with attendees who stop by your display during designated sessions. Talks (oral presentations) are typically 10–20 minutes with Q&A, delivered to a seated audience in a formal session. Posters are excellent for graduate students and early-career researchers to get comfortable with conference presentations, while talks often showcase more developed or high-impact research.
3. How do I maximize my time at a large conference?
Large conferences like APS or MRS can be overwhelming with parallel sessions. Review the program 1–2 weeks ahead and create a personalized schedule, but build in buffer time for spontaneous conversations. Use conference apps to track sessions and speakers. Prioritize 2–3 “must-see” presentations per day. Don’t feel obligated to attend every session; sometimes the most valuable experiences happen in informal hallway conversations or at poster sessions where you can have extended discussions with researchers.
4. What funding opportunities exist for physics students?
Universities typically offer graduate student travel grants through departments, graduate schools, or research centers—apply early as funds are limited. Organizations like APS, MRS, SPIE, and IEEE offer student travel awards or registration discounts. Check if your advisor’s research grants include conference travel budgets. Many conferences offer diversity scholarships or fee waivers for students from underrepresented groups. National science foundations in many countries also provide travel grants for international conferences.
5. Should I attend virtual or in-person?
Many physics conferences now offer hybrid participation options. In-person attendance provides better networking opportunities, hands-on demonstrations, and impromptu collaborations. Virtual participation is cost-effective and accessible, but networking is more limited. Consider your career stage, budget constraints, and specific goals for the meeting. Early-career researchers often benefit most from in-person attendance to build their professional network.
6. Where can academics find affordable housing for extended conference stays?
Many academics extend conference trips for research, collaboration, or simply to explore the host city more thoroughly. SabbaticalHomes.com specializes in connecting faculty and academic professionals with furnished short-term rentals and home exchanges specifically designed for the higher education community. The platform has served academics since 2000, offering housing options that provide more space and comfort than hotels, often at lower costs—particularly valuable for longer stays that transform conference attendance into deeper professional development opportunities.
Related: Getting Started on SabbaticalHomes
Comprehensive Global Calendar: 2026 Academic Physics Conferences
| Conference Name | Acronym | Date | Location | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Society for Optics and Photonics West 2026 | SPIE | January 17–22, 2026 | San Francisco, California, USA | Optics, Photonics & Quantum |
| Quantum Information Processing Conference | QIP | January 24–30, 2026 | Riga, Latvia | Optics, Photonics & Quantum |
| 48th Annual Condensed Matter and Materials Meeting / 6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Condensed Matter Physics | Wagga2026 / AC2MP | February 9–13, 2026 | Wagga Wagga, Australia | Regional & Specialized |
| Biophysical Society 70th Annual Meeting | BPS 2026 | February 21–25, 2026 | San Francisco, California, USA | Biophysics & Interdisciplinary |
| German Physical Society Meeting of the Condensed Matter Section | DPG | March 8–13, 2026 | Dresden, Germany | Comprehensive/General Physics |
| Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition 2026 | OFC | March 15–19, 2026 | Los Angeles, California, USA | Optics, Photonics & Quantum |
| American Physical Society Global Physics Summit 2026 | APS | March 15–20, 2026 | Denver, Colorado, USA | Comprehensive/General Physics |
| World Summit on Condensed Matter Physics | WSCMP | April 2–4, 2026 | Osaka, Japan | Materials Science & Condensed Matter |
| Global Applied & Interdisciplinary Physics Congress | GAIPC | April 6–7, 2026 | Paris, France | Regional & Specialized |
| IEEE International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing | QCNC | April 6–8, 2026 | Kobe, Japan | Optics, Photonics & Quantum |
| 2nd International Conference on Gravitation, Astrophysics and Cosmology | ICGAC | April 16–18, 2026 | Paris, France | Astrophysics & Cosmology |
| 4th International Summit on Gravitation, Astrophysics, and Cosmology | ISGAC | April 20–22, 2026 | Frankfurt, Germany | Astrophysics & Cosmology |
| Materials Research Society Spring Meeting & Exhibit 2026 | MRS | April 26 – May 1, 2026 | Honolulu, Hawai’i, USA | Materials Science & Condensed Matter |
| Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference | Quantum 2.0 | June 15–18, 2026 | Glasgow, United Kingdom | Optics, Photonics & Quantum |
| 4th World Summit on Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Science | ASTROSUMMIT | June 22–23, 2026 | Rome, Italy | Astrophysics & Cosmology |
| International Conference on Biological Physics | ICBP | June 28 – July 3, 2026 | Genoa, Italy | Biophysics & Interdisciplinary |
| European Physical Society 52nd Conference on Plasma Physics | EPS | June 29 – July 3, 2026 | Edinburgh, Scotland, UK | Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy |
| Condensed Matter and Quantum Materials Conference | CMQM | June 30 – July 3, 2026 | Loughborough, United Kingdom | Materials Science & Condensed Matter |
| Optica Advanced Photonics Congress | OPC | July 26–30, 2026 | Long Beach, California, USA | Regional & Specialized |
| 43rd International Conference on High Energy Physics | ICHEP 2026 | July 30 – August 5, 2026 | Natal, Brazil | Comprehensive/General Physics |
| Materials Science & Technology 2026 | MS&T | October 4–7, 2026 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA | Materials Science & Condensed Matter |
| 10th Division of Plasma Physics Conference | AAPPS- DPP | October 11–17, 2026 | Busan, South Korea | Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy |
| 68th American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics Annual Meeting | APS DPP | November 2–6, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy |
| 26th Congress of the Australian Institute of Physics | AIP | December 6–11, 2026 | Sydney, Australia | Regional & Specialized |
| International Congress on Plasma Physics | ICPP | December 7–11, 2026 | Hyderabad, India | Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy |
Our “Conference Alert” series of articles will keep you in-the-know about upcoming academic conventions and conferences. Each article in this series previews deadlines for abstracts and proposals for a specific area of study. Conferences are great opportunities to network, meet others who study in your field and perhaps help you make a connection for a research or sabbatical travel experience.
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