Rise_Time 2026: Explosive Astrophysics in the Era of High-Cadence Astronomy

Motivation

Time-domain astronomy is rapidly evolving, and astronomers have become increasingly good at catching fast transients on very short timescales. Additionally, both theorists and observers working on astrophysical transients have a habit of expanding their science across several subfields, resulting in a highly interconnected community. Experts on supernovae often do science relevant to Gamma Ray Bursts and Tidal Disruption Events.  A GRB theorist may have a lot to say about FRBs, and simply everyone seems to be interested in FBOTs!

This effect is even more significant when considering multi-messenger science.  When an event spans many observing channels, a wide range of theorists and observers that previously might have studied very different physical processes and emission mechanisms must combine forces and communicate across previously-drawn divisions to understand a single given event.

This motivates a continuous opening of new lines of communication between transient scientists, developed in a highly active and engaging conference setting. Rise_Time is a conference for transient astrophysicists of all kinds; theorists, observers, and numericists; experts on gravitational waves, radio, optical, IR, UV, X-Rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays, neturinos, and any other observing technologies we didn't think to mention.

We aim to generate a highly diverse, inclusive, and interactive environment, with plenty of time and energy allocated for questions and interactive discussions.  Attendees are encouraged to be participants rather than spectators.

Registration is free! There is no reason not to register today and submit an abstract for a poster, talk, or discussion session!

Precursors: Soirée for Rising Stars - August 11th

Grad Student Organizer: Danielle Dickinson (Purdue University)

Postdoc Organizer: Huei Sears (Rutgers University)

Just as precursors provide an early glimpse of the events to come, Precursors: Soirée for Rising Stars is designed to support the next generation of transient astronomers as they prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead in their careers.

Held on campus the afternoon before Rise_Time 2026, Precursors is a new professional development workshop for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It is not a separate scientific conference, but rather an opportunity to make the most of the remarkable concentration of early-career talent that Rise_Time brings together.

A central goal of the workshop is to foster connections among participants. Many of the students and postdocs attending Rise_Time will become future collaborators, colleagues, and leaders in the field. Precursors provides dedicated time and space to build those relationships, exchange experiences, and learn from one another before the scientific meeting begins.

Attendance is open to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers registered for Rise_Time 2026.

Hotel Information:

There are many wonderful hotels around West Lafayette. We have reserved a block of rooms at Hampton Inn West Lafayette which is about a 20 minute walk to the conference. You can find the link in your email correspondence, the block is reserved until July 1st or until rooms fill. 

We are in negotiations witha few other hotels. Information will be updated as we recieve those blocks.

The Union Club Hotel is also an on-campus option if you need to stay closer to the event.

Conference Program

Will be announced shortly! 

All participants who submitted abstracts should have recieved decisions by email.