The First Emirati–Italian Bilateral Space Science & Astronomy Forum 2026
Executive Summary The First Emirati–Italian Bilateral Space Science & Astronomy Forum (EIBSSAF2026) will take place in February 2026 at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology (SAASST), University of Sharjah. Conceived as a high-level bilateral platform, the forum brings together leading Emirati and Italian institutions to advance cooperation in radio astronomy, space science, and enabling technologies. The forum is structured to combine scientific exchange, technical depth, and institutional dialogue, with a particular focus on radio astronomy infrastructure, operations, data systems, and emerging applications. Through plenary sessions, thematic exchanges, technical sessions, and forward-looking roundtables, EIBSSAF2026 aims to align national priorities, share operational experience, and identify concrete pathways for long-term collaboration. The Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) contributes to the forum by mobilizing senior researchers, technologists, and institutional leadership with extensive experience in the development and operation of world-class radio astronomy facilities. Their participation supports the articulation of a long-term research and infrastructure development roadmap for radio astronomy in the UAE. By hosting the forum at SAASST, EIBSSAF2026 positions Sharjah’s radio astronomy initiative as a focal point for regional capacity building and international engagement, with the long-term objective of integrating UAE-based facilities into the global network of radio astronomy research infrastructures.
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Key Information
Objectives
- Present strategic vision and roadmap for radio astronomy development to national, regional, and international stakeholders.
- Strengthen bilateral technical collaboration between Emirati and Italian institutions in radio astronomy infrastructure, instrumentation, operations, and data systems, with an emphasis on alignment with global research networks.
- Build national capacity through expert-led technical sessions, knowledge exchange, and dialogue on training, workforce development, and academic collaboration.
- Facilitate forward-looking institutional dialogue to identify sustainable collaboration mechanisms, co-development opportunities, and long-term research partnerships.
- Reinforce the role of astronomy as a platform for outreach, education, and cultural engagement in both the United Arab Emirates and Italy.
Partners
University of Sharjah
Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology
INAF - Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica
