#ctaosymposium
W H E N /
10-13 August 2027
W H E R E /
Parco della Musica
Rome, Italy
A B O U T /
The year 2027 marks a pivotal moment for astronomy. As the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) - the world’s largest and most sensitive high-energy gamma-ray observatory—delivers its first groundbreaking scientific results, the field of Very-High Energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy is poised for a transformation.
We are proud to announce that the CTAO is a major contributor to the 33rd General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the historical city of Rome, Italy. Within this prestigious framework, we invite astronomers, particle physicists, and multi-wavelength/multi-messenger partners from across the globe to gather for this dedicated symposium. Together, we will discuss cutting-edge research, explore vital synergies, and examine the transformative science that the CTAO is delivering as it ushers in a new era of multi-messenger astrophysics.
Our symposium will focus on three key pillars:
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The Evolution of a Discipline: We will review the journey of VHE gamma-ray astronomy from pioneering experiments to its emergence as a mainstream astronomical domain, bolstered by the unprecedented capabilities of the CTAO.
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CTAO Early Science: Attendees will be the first to explore the initial scientific findings from the CTAO’s intermediate array configuration. These results demonstrate how the observatory is already surpassing existing facilities and setting a new standard for sensitivity and discovery.
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Synergies in the Multi-Messenger Era: We will explore how VHE gamma-ray data acts as a cornerstone in the multi-wavelength and multi-messenger landscape. By bridging the gap between electromagnetic observations, neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves, we aim to address the most profound questions in physics—from the nature of dark matter to the dynamics of the most extreme objects in our Universe.
Whether your research focus is on galactic accelerators, transient phenomena, or fundamental physics, we invite you to join us in Rome to shape the future of high-energy astrophysics.
The CTAO Science Symposium aims to become a meeting point for researchers worldwide interested in very high-energy astrophysics, where they can present and discuss the latest advances in the field, as well as to learn more about the progress of the CTAO, both at a technological and scientific level.
Check out the Scientific Agenda on the Programme page, and visit this website regularly for further information on planned activities.
