The International Conference for Young Astronomers commenced today in Marrakech, focusing on advancements in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, while also promoting scientific research among youth. This conference, organized by the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in collaboration with the Oukaimeden Observatory, will run until July 23rd and gathers researchers, engineers, academic professors, students, and experts from various universities and astronomical observatories.
The primary objectives of the conference include encouraging scientific excellence, enhancing international cooperation, and highlighting the vital role of young researchers in the development of astronomy, astrophysics, and space sciences. The program features sessions led by internationally renowned scientists, parallel meetings, lectures, roundtable discussions, and specialized debates in cosmological sciences, as well as workshops aimed at discussion.
The topics covered in the conference include stellar astrophysics, galaxies, variable stars, exoplanets, small bodies in the solar system, space sciences, astronomical instruments, artificial intelligence, and big data applications in astronomy, alongside international scientific collaboration.
During the opening remarks, Hassan Mouden, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences of Marrakech, emphasized that this international conference reflects the commitment of Cadi Ayyad University to scientific excellence and its openness to international academic networks. He highlighted the conference as a unique platform for interaction between distinguished researchers and young scientists, fostering knowledge sharing, the development of new partnerships, and the emergence of innovative projects in the fields of astronomy and space sciences.
Moreover, he stated that organizing such an event contributes to enhancing Marrakech's scientific prominence and solidifying Cadi Ayyad University's position among the reference academic institutions in Africa concerning cosmological sciences, stressing the importance of encouraging young talents to actively engage in scientific research and valuing Moroccan competencies recognized internationally.
On the other hand, Abderrazzak Benhida, Director of the Oukaimeden Observatory, pointed out that the conference showcases Morocco's significant scientific capabilities in astronomy, particularly due to the research infrastructure at the Oukaimeden Observatory and the numerous partnerships established with international institutions. He noted that the Oukaimeden Observatory is currently one of the leading research infrastructures in the field of astronomy in Africa, situated at an altitude exceeding 2,700 meters in the High Atlas, equipped with robotic telescopes and advanced equipment, and participating in several international scientific projects focusing on exoplanets, near-Earth objects, space monitoring, transient phenomena, space weather, and astronomical time calculations.
Additionally, the planned scientific visit to the Oukaimeden Observatory will enable participants to discover the facilities and research projects present at the observatory, reflecting Morocco's contribution to major international cooperation projects in the field of astronomy and space sciences, and its commitment to developing scientific research and innovation.
According to the organizers, the International Conference for Young Astronomers 2026 serves as an exceptional platform to strengthen partnerships between universities, observatories, space agencies, research institutions, and socio-economic actors, while encouraging researcher mobility and stimulating the emergence of new collaborative projects, ultimately contributing to the scientific prominence of the Kingdom on the international academic stage.
As reported by maroc24.com.
