China's first dedicated laboratory astrophysics research facility opened at the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (July 2026). http://english.news.cn/20260708/beea07b8852c4b609b17b85b99fb6b1a/c.html

LLNL and UC Irvine demonstrated the first high-intensity rotating "light spring" laser pulse, capable of generating 100+ tesla magnetic fields on a tabletop laser  opening new possibilities for astrophysical plasma studies (Nature Photonics, June 2026). https://phys.org/news/2026-06-kind-laser-avenues-plasma.html

Using the LCLS X-ray laser, SLAC researchers imaged a specific high-density plasma instability for the first time  a diagnostic advance relevant to fusion and HED astrophysics (Feb 2026). https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/news/2026-02-12-slac-researchers-image-plasma-instability-relevant-fusion-energy-and-astrophysics

Physics Today feature on how strong magnetic fields paired with intense lasers or pulsed currents let physicists recreate astrophysical object conditions in the lab (Feb 2026). https://physicstoday.aip.org/features/making-magnetized-plasmas-in-the-lab

LLNL scientists tested a new crossed-laser technique that measures plasma conditions in a single shot, with signals over a billion times stronger than before (Jan 2026). https://lasers.llnl.gov/news/when-lasers-cross-llnl-finds-brighter-way-measure-plasma

An Oxford-led team used CERN's Super Proton Synchrotron to recreate blazar jet plasma in the lab; the beams stayed stable, supporting ancient intergalactic magnetic fields (rather than plasma instabilities) as the explanation for the universe's missing gamma rays (PNAS, Nov 2025). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010252.htm

Physics World reports on a proposed laser-driven implosion technique that could generate megatesla magnetic fields, bridging laboratory plasmas and astrophysical magnetic field studies (Aug 2025). https://physicsworld.com/a/laser-driven-implosion-could-produce-megatesla-magnetic-fields/

Call for a "statement of interest" for contributions to a white paper on: "Astrophysics with high power lasers and laboratory plasmas" is now open. Deadline 30/01/2022.

The workshop "Astrophysics with high power lasers and laboratory plasmas" is now over. The organizers would like to thank all the participants and speakers.

Directory of researchers is now online.