From May 18 to May 20, 2026, the Origins Center will host a conference at the historic Abdij Rolduc in Kerkrade, Netherlands, focusing on the profound questions surrounding the origin and nature of life. This event aims to unite a multidisciplinary community of researchers to discuss potential life beyond Earth and the latest advancements in the field of astrobiology.
Abdij Rolduc, a nearly 900-year-old medieval abbey recognized as one of the official Top 100 Dutch heritage monuments, has been transformed into a modern conference center. It features multiple meeting rooms and on-site accommodation, set in a peaceful environment near the borders of Germany and Belgium. The conference promises to be an inspiring gathering for scientists and scholars working on diverse aspects of life’s origins.
Event Details and Registration
The conference will span three days, providing ample opportunity for participants to share recent findings and foster new collaborations. The deadline for registration and abstract submission is February 9, 2026.
Participants can expect a variety of engaging sessions, including invited talks from renowned experts and opportunities for contributed presentations. The organizing committee anticipates accommodating approximately 20 contributed talks from PhD candidates, postdocs, and principal investigators (PIs). Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals, especially if they have innovative results or interdisciplinary ideas that may resonate with attendees from different fields.
Logistics and Costs
For those interested in attending, the registration fees are set at €290 for a single bed room and €210 for a shared (two-person) bed room. Registration covers accommodation for the nights of May 18 and 19, all meals, and coffee breaks. A special dinner will be held at the abbey, allowing for informal discussions and networking opportunities among participants.
The venue details are as follows:
Abdij Rolduc
Heyendallaan 82
6464 EP Kerkrade, The Netherlands
To register or for more information, please visit the Origins Center website or contact the organizers directly via email at [email protected].
The Origins Center is looking forward to reuniting the community and encouraging the exchange of groundbreaking ideas concerning life, planets, and the intricate connections between them. This conference promises to be a significant milestone for researchers dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of existence.
