Almost four centuries
after Christiaan Huygens helped lay the foundations of planetary science, his
hometown of The Hague will welcome researchers from more than 40 countries to Europe's largest annual meeting
dedicated to planetary science.
Taking place at Amare, in September, the 20th Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC), will be taking place in the Netherlands for the first time.
Born in The Hague in
1629, Huygens transformed humanity's understanding of the Solar System. Using
telescopes of his own design, he discovered Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and became the first to correctly explain the nature of Saturn's rings.
Four hundred years later, scientists studying planets, moons, space missions, will gather in the city where that journey began.
Researchers from Dutch
universities, including TU Delft and Utrecht University, are working closely
with the international organisers to host the anniversary edition.
Dr Sebastiaan de Vet (TU
Delft) and Prof. Dr Inge Loes ten Kate (Utrecht University), co-chairs of the
EPSC 2026 Local Organising Committee (LOC), said: “Hosting EPSC in The
Hague provides a unique opportunity to connect the international community, but
also to reflect on the history of planetary science. Huygens'
discoveries changed our understanding of the Solar System, which
makes it an extra special meeting place to discuss the future of planetary
exploration.”
Huygens' discoveries were
shared through collaboration with scientists across Europe. That spirit of
international collaboration continues today. Since its first edition in 2006,
EPSC has grown into Europe's largest annual meeting for planetary science, providing
a forum for researchers to share discoveries, discuss future missions, and
build international partnerships.
Anita Heward, VP Europlanet, said: “Around half of EPSC
participants are students and early-career researchers, many of whom are
attending their first international conference. The meeting is an opportunity
for them to make contacts and start to build scientific networks that may last
their whole careers. So, in 2026, The Hague will play a vital role in ensuring
Huygens’ legacy is passed to the next generation of planetary researchers, as
well as sharing that knowledge with the public.”
Alongside the scientific
programme, EPSC will also organise a series of public events at Amare,
including a planetary art exhibition, interactive installations, performances,
and educational activities. The programme forms part of The Hague's legacy initiative,
which supports event organisers in creating long-term societal, economic, and
knowledge-based impact beyond the congress itself.
“We want EPSC 2026 to reach beyond
the conference venue and invite people in The Hague to explore the planets in
an accessible way. Plans include ‘The Hague Planet Trail’, a free walking route
across the city that traces the Solar System to scale using historical
landmarks to tell the story of the planets. The ‘EPSC Goes Live for Schools’
programme will also bring cutting-edge science and engineering into classrooms
around the city and beyond,” added de Vet.
