International Astronomical Union Hands-on Workshop in Radio Astronomy 2026
Overview
About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the global organization responsible for promoting and safeguarding the science of astronomy through international cooperation. One of its major capacity-building initiatives is the IAU Hands-on Workshops (I-HOW) program, which provides practical training for early-career astronomers, researchers, and students in the use of astronomical data, modern observational techniques, and advanced scientific tools.
About the Workshop
The IAU Hands-on Workshop (I-HOW) in Radio Astronomy 2026 will be held from 1–11 September 2026 at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO), Armenia. The workshop is jointly organized with the 10th Byurakan International Summer School (10BISS) and celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory.
The program combines expert lectures with practical laboratory sessions, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in modern radio astronomy techniques, astronomical data processing, and scientific research methodologies. Approximately half of the workshop is dedicated to practical training using real astronomical datasets from leading radio observatories.
Topics Covered
Participants will receive training in:
- Radio astronomy techniques
- Radio astronomical facilities
- Radio astronomical surveys
- Radio data reduction and analysis
- Astrochemistry
- Astrobiology
- Stars and Nebulae
- Galaxies and Cosmology
- Astroinformatics
- Virtual Observatories
- Space Sciences and Technologies
- Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Sciences
The workshop also includes student presentation sessions, networking opportunities, and interactions with internationally recognized astronomers and researchers.
Why Participate?
This workshop provides an excellent opportunity for students and young researchers to develop practical skills in modern radio astronomy while learning directly from leading scientists.
Benefits include:
- Hands-on training in radio astronomical data analysis.
- Exposure to internationally recognized researchers and astronomers.
- Practical sessions using data from major radio observatories.
- Opportunity to present research during the Student Presentation Session.
- Travel grants for selected participants.
- International networking and collaboration opportunities.
- Participation in the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory 80th Anniversary Symposium (BAO-80) scheduled immediately after the workshop.
- Certificate of participation and enhanced research experience in astronomy and astrophysics.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates should complete the online registration before the deadline.
Applicants must submit:
- Online Registration Form
- Motivation Letter
- Recommendation Letter from Supervisor
Eligible applicants may also apply separately for Travel Grant Support during the registration process.
Location URL
https://maps.google.com/?q=Byurakan+Astrophysical+Observatory+Armenia
Advertisement URL
https://www.iau.org/IAU/Iau/Science/Scientific-Meetings/IAUM2026/I-HOW-Armenia-2026.aspx
Brochure URL
Day-wise Schedule
Day 1
Day 1: Registration, Orientation and Introduction to Radio Astronomy
Day 2
Day 2: Radio Astronomy Techniques and Radio Telescopes
Day 3
Day 3: Radio Astronomical Facilities and Observational Methods
Day 4
Day 4: Radio Astronomical Surveys and Data Collection
Day 5
Day 5: Radio Data Reduction and Analysis Practical Sessions
Day 6
Day 6: Astrochemistry and Astrobiology
Day 7
Day 7: Stars, Nebulae, Galaxies and Cosmology
Day 8
Day 8: Astroinformatics, Virtual Observatory and Space Technologies
Day 9
Day 9: Interdisciplinary Research and Practical Tutorials
Day 10
Day 10: Student Presentations and Research Discussions
Day 11
Day 11: Workshop Summary, Networking and Closing Session
Learning Outcomes
- Understand radio astronomy principles and techniques.
- Gain hands-on experience with radio astronomical data.
- Learn radio data reduction and analysis methods.
- Develop practical skills in astronomical observations.
- Understand astrochemistry and astrobiology concepts.
- Explore galaxies, cosmology, and space sciences.
- Learn astroinformatics and virtual observatory tools.
- Present scientific research effectively.
- Build international research collaborations.
- Enhance practical research skills in astronomy.
About the Speaker
Software Requirements
Stable Internet (for registration only)
Python (Recommended)
Radio Astronomy Data Analysis Tools (Provided during workshop if applicable)
Basic Programming Knowledge
Certificate Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Streams
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