FAQ

Who can apply?

AbGradCon2026 is intended for graduate students and early postdocs (within two years of graduating with a doctorate). Undergraduate students, faculty, and staff scientists are not eligible.

How will abstracts be selected? 

Abstracts will be evaluated in a review process on merit and quality of application materials.

When are applications due?

Applications are due Friday, May 29th at midnight PST. 

Do I have to submit an abstract to attend AbGradCon2026?

Yes. All participants must submit an abstract and present it as an oral presentation or a poster. As AbGradCon is an event for graduate students and postdocs, it is a great opportunity for early-career researchers to give scientific presentations in a more relaxed, yet still formal setting.

Is this a hybrid meeting?

No. This year's AbGradCon will be fully in-person.

What are the presentation formats? 

AbGradCon2026 is offering two presentation formats: Talks and Posters.

• Talks are a 12+3 format: 12 minutes of presenting followed by 3 minutes of Q&A.

• Posters should be 36 inches long and 48 inches wide, in horizontal/landscape mode.
  
  

What kind of talks and posters are we looking for? 

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field; therefore, to uphold the same standards, participants will be asked to submit abstracts under one of many broad categories: astronomy, physics, geology, biology, chemistry, education and outreach, philosophy of science, engineering and instrumental design, planetary sciences, science policy, and more.

Where is AbGradCon2026 held? 

AbGradCon2026 will be hosted at the University of Arizona. The primary venue space is the Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building (ENR2) at 1064 E Lowell St, Tucson, AZ 85719.

How can I get to AbGradCon2026? 

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is located 20 minutes from UArizona, and is the closest major airport. Shuttle services around Tucson are offered at low or no cost. For more details, see the "Logistics" page. 

Does AbGradCon fund its participants?

AbGradCon2026 strives to provide funding for all participants. This includes food, lodging, and travel. Applicants will receive details of their funding packages with their acceptance letters.

How do travel stipends work?

AbGradCon2026 will provide stipends to eligible U.S.-based participants and eligible international applicants. 

U.S.-based participants awarded a travel stipend will receive a flat dollar amount that the participant may use however they wish towards travel. Importantly, this will not be reimbursement-based. The participant will receive the full stipend amount after the conclusion of the conference.

Can AbGradCon cover lodging outside of conference dates?

Unfortunately, AbGradCon2026 is unable to pay for or reimburse lodging outside of the conference dates. 

Can I get a proof of registration?

A proof of registration can be provided upon request only. Please email the team at abgradcon@gmail.com.