The Origins Center will host a conference from May 18 to May 20, 2026, at the historic Abdij Rolduc in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. This event aims to unite experts across various fields to explore profound questions about the origin and nature of life, including the possibility of life beyond Earth. The nearly 900-year-old medieval abbey, recognized as one of the official Top 100 Dutch heritage monuments, provides a unique backdrop for this multidisciplinary gathering.
Participants can expect a robust program that encourages sharing recent developments and fostering new collaborations. The conference will feature a mix of invited speakers and contributed talks from early-career researchers, including PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and principal investigators (PIs). Organizers anticipate accommodating around 20 contributed talks, urging participants to present innovative findings, methodologies, or interdisciplinary insights.
Important Dates:
– Conference: May 18-20, 2026
– Registration and abstract submission deadline: February 9, 2026
The conference fees are set at €290 for a single room and €210 for shared accommodations. Registration includes lodging for the nights of May 18 and 19, all meals, and coffee breaks. A special dinner at the abbey will provide opportunities for informal discussions and networking among attendees.
Venue and Practical Information
The conference will take place at Abdij Rolduc, located at Heyendallaan 82, 6464 EP Kerkrade. The venue, now a dedicated conference center and hotel, is situated in a tranquil area near the borders of Germany and Belgium.
For those interested in attending, registration is available online. Participants are encouraged to visit the conference website for further details and to secure their spot.
Questions can be directed to [email protected], where the organizing committee is eager to assist. The Origins Center looks forward to gathering the community once again in a setting that inspires fresh ideas about life, planets, and the universe at large.
