The International Conference for Young Astronomers commenced today in Marrakech, focusing on advancements in astronomy and astrophysics while promoting scientific research among youth. This significant event, organized by the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University in collaboration with the Oukaimeden Observatory, will run until July 23, gathering researchers, engineers, professors, students, and experts from various universities and astronomical observatories.
The primary aim of the conference is to foster scientific excellence, enhance international collaboration, and highlight the role of young researchers in the development of astronomy, astrophysics, and space sciences. The program for this scientific event includes sessions led by renowned international scientists, parallel meetings, lectures, roundtable discussions, and specialized debates on cosmology, along with workshops for in-depth discussions.
Topics covered at the conference will include stellar astrophysics, galaxies, variable stars, exoplanets, small bodies within the solar system, space science, astronomical instruments, artificial intelligence and big data applications in astronomy, as well as international scientific collaboration.
During the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Hassan Mouden, emphasized that this international conference reflects the commitment of Cadi Ayyad University to scientific excellence and its openness to international academic networks. He noted that the meeting serves as a distinguished platform for exchange between prominent researchers and young scientists, encouraging knowledge sharing and the development of new partnerships and innovative projects in astronomy and space science.
Furthermore, Mouden highlighted that organizing such an event contributes to enhancing the scientific prominence of Marrakech and solidifying Cadi Ayyad University's status among leading academic institutions in Africa in the field of cosmological sciences. He underscored the importance of encouraging young talents to actively engage in scientific research and recognize the internationally acknowledged Moroccan competencies.
In addition, the Director of the Oukaimeden Observatory, Abderrahim Benhida, pointed out that the conference showcases Morocco’s significant scientific capabilities in astronomy, particularly due to the research infrastructure of the Oukaimeden Observatory and numerous partnerships established with international institutions. He indicated that the observatory is now one of the most prominent research infrastructures for astronomy in Africa, situated at an altitude exceeding 2700 meters in the High Atlas, equipped with robotic telescopes and advanced technology, participating in various international scientific projects concerning exoplanets, near-Earth objects, space monitoring, transient phenomena, space weather, and astronomical timing calculations.
Additionally, he mentioned that the planned scientific visit to the Oukaimeden Observatory will allow participants to discover the facilities and research projects available at the observatory, reflecting Morocco’s contribution to major international collaborative projects in astronomy and space sciences, as well as its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation.
According to the organizers, the International Conference for Young Astronomers 2026 serves as a distinguished platform for enhancing partnerships among universities, observatories, space agencies, research institutions, and socio-economic actors. It aims to encourage the mobility of researchers and stimulate the emergence of new collaborative projects, contributing to the scientific prominence of the Kingdom on the international academic stage.
As reported by maroc24.com.
