The International Conference for Young Astronomers, which commenced today in Marrakech, focuses on advancements in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, while also promoting scientific research among youth. This significant event, organized by the Semlalia Faculty of Sciences at Cadi Ayyad University and the Oukaimeden Observatory, will run until July 23, gathering researchers, engineers, academics, students, and experts from various universities and astronomical observatories.
The primary aim of the conference is to encourage scientific excellence, foster international collaboration, and highlight the role of young researchers in the development of astronomy, astrophysics, and space sciences. The program is packed with sessions led by prominent international scientists, parallel meetings, lectures, roundtable discussions, and specialized debates in cosmology, along with workshops aimed at fostering dialogue.
Topics discussed at the conference will include stellar astrophysics, galaxies, variable stars, exoplanets, small bodies in the solar system, space sciences, astronomical instruments, as well as artificial intelligence and big data applications in astronomy. Furthermore, the conference will emphasize the importance of international scientific collaboration.
During his address, Hassan Mouden, Dean of the Semlalia Faculty of Sciences, emphasized that this international conference reflects Cadi Ayyad University's commitment to scientific excellence and its openness to international academic networks. He noted that the event serves as a unique platform for exchange between esteemed researchers and young scientists, encouraging knowledge sharing, the development of new partnerships, and the emergence of innovative projects in the fields of astronomy and space sciences.
Moreover, Mouden pointed out that organizing such events enhances the scientific reputation of Marrakech and solidifies Cadi Ayyad University's position among the leading academic institutions in Africa in the field of cosmology. He stressed the importance of encouraging young talents to actively engage in scientific research and to recognize Moroccan competencies that are internationally acknowledged.
In addition, Abdelmajid Benhida, Director of the Oukaimeden Observatory, highlighted that the conference showcases the significant scientific capabilities that Morocco has developed in astronomy, especially thanks to the research infrastructure at the Oukaimeden Observatory and numerous partnerships established with international institutions. He noted that the observatory is today one of the premier research infrastructures in astronomy on the African continent, equipped with robotic telescopes and advanced equipment, participating in various international scientific projects concerning exoplanets, near-Earth objects, space monitoring, transient phenomena, space weather, and time astronomy calculations.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the scheduled scientific visit to the Oukaimeden Observatory will allow participants to discover the facilities and research projects present at the observatory, reflecting Morocco's contribution to major international cooperation 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 to promote partnerships between universities, observatories, space agencies, research institutions, and socio-economic actors, encouraging researcher mobility and stimulating the emergence of new cooperative projects, thereby contributing to the scientific prominence of the kingdom on the international academic stage.
As reported by maroc24.com.
