Do I need to be part of a mission team to attend BH2026?
No. You don't need to be part of a team to attend the conference. All are welcome to join! But you do need to be part of a team to give a talk, or submit an EOI for NCRIS funding to support your work.
I have a great mission idea, but I can't find a team!
If you can't find a team, the space science leads committee can help you find one - but the process will be a little different.
1) Submit your query -> here <- this can be done at any time.
2) With your permission, your details will be posted on the Blue Horizons website
3) You can also reach out to the teams featured on the website or slack when submissions role in.
4) Mission teams can reach out to you when they see your details (or you can reach out to other lost souls!) to form a team
5) Mission teams must be formed by 31st July when abstract submissions close.
I want to be on a team, but I don't want to give a talk
Mission teams will be given up to 5 talk slots, but not everyone on the team is required to give a talk. Mission teams can give as few as 1 talk if they like.
Will there be assistance for students?
Unfortunately we can't fund your travel, but we can waive the registration fees for students and ECR's. If you require assistance, please register using the student waiver program. This will open on the 1st of June, and positions will be announced on the 31st of July. Positions will be allocated competitively, and we may not be able to give waivers to everyone, pending demand.
Will there be any invited talks this year?
Yes, there will be a very small number of invited speakers who may be offered a featured presentation slot at BH2026, and they will not be required to be on a mission team. Invited speakers will be contacted by BH2026 organisers privately and announed when mission abstracts close. Invited speakers will be selected to give inspiring talks of value to the community.
For all BH2026 enquires please email Dr. Sarah Caddy, Blue Horizons chair, at sarah.caddy@unimelb.edu.au