COSPAR is pleased to announce that Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund has been re-elected as President for a second four-year term. Under her leadership, COSPAR has grown, increasing connections to Industry, and expanding outreach and support for early career scientists and underrepresented communities.

#COSPAR2026 is full of chances to dive into your field of expertise, but don't miss out on the opportunity to widen your horizons too! Today has three fantastic interdisciplinary lectures, on the James Web Space Telescope, water on the Moon and Humanity’s Exploration Pushing New Frontiers in Space.

For Jeoujang Jaw Award (a joint award of COSPAR and the Chinese Academy of Sciences) for scientists who made pioneering contributions to promoting space research, establishing new space research branches and exploration programs: Zhang Keke (Macau, China) Macau University of Science and Technology

For Vikram Sarabhai Medal (a joint award of COSPAR and the Indian Space Research Organization) for outstanding contributions to space research in developing countries: Annapurni Subramaniam (India), Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore

For COSPAR Distinguished Service Medal recognizing extraordinary services rendered to COSPAR over many years. Carlos Gabriel (Germany), formerly @esa.int, John D. Rummel (USA), Friday Harbor Partners LLC, and Pascal Willis, (France), formerly @ignfrance.bsky.social

For the COSPAR William Nordberg Medal for distinguished contributions to the application of space science in a field covered by COSPAR: David Gary Sibeck (USA), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Wang Jinsong (China), China Meteorological Administration

For the COSPAR Space Science Award: Angela Bazzano (Italy), INAF and Gary P. Zank (USA), University of Alabama in Huntsville For COSPAR International Cooperation Medal: Guenther Reitz (Germany), Soochow University and formerly @dlr-en.bsky.social/@dlr-de.bsky.social

Yesterday we honoured some of the bright stars of the space research community with the coveted COSPAR Awards. They highlight the achievements and contributions of these select few, both to show our gratitude to them and to encourage space science, space exploration and international collaboration.

Don't miss today's Panel on Early Careers and International Space Societies (PECISS) sessions at #COSPAR2026. Experts from industry, research and more will work together to focus on some of the challenges facing the next generation of space scientists. ⏰Join us 11:00-14:30 in Spadolini Upper 6

Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the conversations shaping the future of space exploration at #COSPAR2026 — by robots and humans. This week's Planetary Protection Sessions will explore the latest advances, challenges, and international collaboration in safeguarding planetary exploration.

The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly has begun in Florence, Italy, with thousands of participants arriving from around the world. We are looking forward to a week of cutting-edge science and international collaboration — what are you looking forward to? #COSPAR2026

Innovation happens at the confluence of scientific demands and technological developments, so we're proud to have an exciting roster of industry events at #COSPAR2026. Explore all the industry-focused sessions in the Plenaries section of the programme: www.cospar-assembly.org/show_infopag...

Did you know #COSPAR2026 has a web app to help you build your schedule for the week? You can access it on the Assembly website: app.cospar-assembly.org/2026

Have you ever attended a Business Meeting at a COSPAR event? If not, you're missing out! Watch this video from Loren Chang to find out what attending one is like and how participating can advance both your field of research and your career.

Are you an early career researcher going to #COSPAR2026? Don't miss out on these opportunities: 🕴️On Tuesday, attend the pair of plenary events career development sessions focused on both research and industry 🕺Celebrate together at Wednesday's at the exclusive Young Researcher Networking Evening

From interdisciplinary lectures to the Space Agency Leaders Roundtable, Plenary events are always some of the highlights of a COSPAR Assembly. Explore all of #COSPAR2026's offerings so you can add them to your plan for the week: www.cospar-assembly.org/show_infopag...

Exploring the poster sessions is always a highlight of a COSPAR event, where you can catch some of the newest science, often from our newest scientists. You can explore #COSPAR2026's crop every day Sunday 2 August to Friday 7 August, with poster sessions from 16:30-17:30.

📆The #COSPAR2026 Scientific Assembly begins in just over a week — which means it's time to start planning your week at the Assembly! What are you most looking forward to? We'll be sharing some of our highlights and hidden gems to help you build your schedule now through the kick-off next Saturday.

⏳ 3 weeks left! Abstract submissions for the 2nd International Forum for Young Space Scientists are open until 15 August. Present your research on space physics or space-based Earth sciences in Nicosia, Cyprus, 17–19 November: ifyss2026.com

🗣️ Presenting at #COSPAR2026 next week? Make sure you've checked the guidelines for oral or poster sessions so that you're prepared before you arrive: www.cospar-assembly.org/show_infopag... @media.inaf.it

✍️ Registration for the free #COSPAR2026 Press Tour is now open! We invite media representatives to step outside the convention halls in Florence and visit Villa Galileo and INAF Arcetri Observatory on 4 August. Spots are limited, RSVP by 28 July: www.eurekalert.org/news-release...

The summer school combined workshops in cutting edge pedagogy, including Universal Design Learning (UDL) with hands-on lessons covering key astronaut skills, like navigation and communication. We look forward to seeing them bring the programme to life in their classrooms this year!

And that’s a wrap on the first Project SPHERE summer school! This week teachers were at the Observatório Lago Alqueva in Monsaraz, Portugal, where they got up to speed on everything they need to know to make their students analog astronauts this school year.

Calling all early career scientists and professionals: the International Forum for Young Space Scientists is back for its second edition from 17-19 November in Cyprus! Abstract submission is now open under two themes, space physics and space-based earth sciences. Submit by 15 August: ifyss2026.com

❗Deadline Extended❗ 🤖 Our Panel on Innovative Solutions is hosting a workshop on AI for Physics at #COSPAR2026, including a primer on machine learning, a real-world example and an introduction to agentic workflows. Learn more and apply to attend: www.cospar-assembly.org/admin/sessio...

⏰Regular registration for the #COPSAR2026 Scientific Assembly closes in one week. Don't miss out on your chance to join us in Florence space science, international collaboration and industry innovation: cospar2026.org

Planetary defence relies upon both continuing research and international coordination. Our Commissions and Panels support both goals - especially right now as we're looking forwards to the unique opportunity presented by the Apophis flyby in 2029. #AsteroidDay

How can humans adapt to live in space? How can we approach the search for extraterrestrial life? Discuss these topics and more from 1-9 August at #COSPAR2026. cospar2026.org

🎉 Congratulations to the students of the Erasmus+ StAnD project! At #COSPAR2026 in Florence, students will be recognised at the Opening Reception for their outstanding contributions to the project – and the three winners of the StAnD Image Competition will be featured in the StAnD 2027 calendar. 💫

Loren Chang's career was shaped by involvement with COSPAR. Attend this year's #COSPAR2026 Assembly to start your journey too – including dedicated sessions on career development and chances to network with global leaders from research & industry. ℹ️ Learn more and register: cospar2026.org