Scope and aims of the workshop

“Phenomenology of Strong Gravity 2026” to be held at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan from May 11th to May 13th, 2026 is devoted to various aspects of theories of gravitation from black holes to cosmology, from fundamental physics to observational astrophysics. The workshop aims at bringing together researchers working in the fields of relativistic astrophysics, general relativity and gravitation theories. The workshop is organized by the Physics Department of Nazarbayev University with the support of the Energetic Cosmos Laboratory. Students and young researchers from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries are especially welcome to attend. 

The workshop will cover theoretical, numerical and experimental topics in astrophysics and general relativity with topics such as theories of gravity, black holes and cosmology. The main theme of the PSG conference relates to the limits of our understanding of gravitation and its implications for extreme phenomena such as black holes and the beginning of the universe itself.

Scientific topics include:

·   Theories of gravity and modifications of General Relativity

·   Cosmological tensions and potential resolutions

·   Inflation, Dark Energy and Dark Matter

·   Black holes, black hole mimickers and compact objects

·   Gravitational waves and multimessenger observations

We look forward to fruitful discussions and exchanges of ideas in a collaborative and engaging environment in the hope that the workshop will foster scientific exchanges and collaborative projects stimulating connections between groups in Central Asia and around the world.

Registration

Please register and submit your abstract by 31st March

Registration fee is $100.

Young researchers can ask for a waiver in the registration form.

Invited Speakers

Venue

The workshop will be held at Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan. Founded in 2010, the University is currently in the top 500 in the Times of Higher Education worldwide rankings and it is establishing itself as one of the leading research universities in Central Asia providing a western style education and developing cutting-edge research in many fields of science and technology.

Astana is the vibrant capital city of Kazakhstan and a major hub renowned for its striking skyline of contemporary architecture and sprawling, well-planned boulevards. The city provides a well-developed infrastructure and a variety of international amenities that comfortably support large-scale professional events. In May, the city typically experiences pleasant spring weather with average daytime highs around 20°C (68°F) and cool evenings, accompanied by long daylight hours and occasional breezy conditions.

Astana Cityscape

Accomodation and Logistics

Visa Information

Kazakhstan maintains a traveler-friendly visa regime, offering visa-free entry to citizens of many countries. 

Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of over 80 countries can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days.

• 14 Days: Typically applies to citizens of India, China, and Iran.

• 30 Days: Applies to citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU/OECD countries.

• 90 Days: Generally applies to citizens of EAEU and CIS countries (e.g., Armenia, Belarus, Russia).

If your country is not on the visa-free list, you may be eligible for a single-entry Visa (Business or Tourist). This requires an invitation number from the host organization.

Registration: Upon arrival,  if you are staying at a hotel, the staff will typically handle any further registration requirements on your behalf.

Note: Please verify the specific requirements for your nationality via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan or your local Kazakh Embassy before booking.

Airport Access

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) is located approximately 10 km (15 minutes) from Nazarbayev University. 

• Taxi (Recommended): The most convenient way to reach the university or your hotel is by taxi. We recommend using the Yandex Go or Uber KZ apps (a Kazakh phone number may be required for registration) for reliable service and fixed pricing. A ride to the NU campus typically costs between 1,500 – 3,000 KZT ($3–$6 USD).

• Public Bus: Bus No. 10: This routes run frequently from the airport and stop directly at the "Nazarbayev University" station on Qabanbay Batyr Avenue.

• Private Transfer: Many international hotels offer airport shuttle services for a surcharge.

Hotels:

• Asyr Hotel (3 minutes walk from workshop venue), Кабанбай батыр проспект 53 (inside the campus),
  https://asyrhotel.kz/, Phone: +7‒701‒231‒67‒70,  Email: qabanbay@asyr.kz

• Asyr Expo Hotel (20 minutes walk from workshop venue), ​Улица Турар Рыскулов, 5/1, 
  https://asyrhotel.kz/, Phone: +7‒701‒231‒67‒70,  Email: expo@asyr.kz

• Hilton Astana (15 minutes walk from workshop venue), ​Улица Гейдара Алиева, 14,
  https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tsekahi-hilton-astana/rooms/, Phone: +7 (7172) 64‒99‒00

• Expo Apart Hotel (15 minutes walk from workshop venue), ​Кабанбай батыр проспект, 58Б,
  Phone: +7‒708‒311‒63‒78 (WhatsApp)

• Wyndham Garden Astana (20 minutes walk from workshop venue), Улица Хусейн бен Талал, 25,
  https://wyndhamgardenastana.com/, Phone: +7 (7172) 79‒00‒00

Program

Program will be posted soon.

Cultural program

Information will be posted soon.

Scientific Organizing Comittee

Local Organizing Committee

Contact information

Local Organizing Committee:

For any inquiries please send an email to soc2026astro@nu.edu.kz