The University of Aberdeen is delighted to be selected by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to host the “Communicating Astronomy with the Public” Conference (CAP) for 2028. The CAP is the world’s largest event for public engagement in astronomy and has been organised by IAU biannually.
During IAU’s official announcement of the winning bid to host CAP2028 today (19 Sept 2026) at the closing ceremony of this year’s CAP 2026 conference, Dr Charles Wang, Chair of Aberdeen’s Local Organising Committee, delivered a welcome message via video link that “Aberdeen’s connections to astronomy span early observatories, famous astronomers, university research, amateur astronomy, and even modern dark-sky culture. Over the last 500 years, astronomy has been part of the university curriculum, and the region has led developments in astronomy and science communication.”
He added “Today, the University itself will also celebrate a new age in its astronomy history later this year with the opening of the Anne H Cruickshank Observatory. So, it is very fitting that the conference should come here, and I can’t wait to welcome you all.”
For the first time, Aberdeen will host the internationally renowned CAP conference in the UK, which is an exciting opportunity to showcase and raise the profiles of amazing activities and outreach in astronomy and space science from Aberdeen to wider Scotland and the UK.