14–16 Dec 2026
Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
Europe/London timezone

Meeting Rationale

The Wide-field Spectroscopic Telescope (WST) is a proposed next-generation facility for massively multiplexed optical spectroscopy. With its wide field of view, large collecting area, high multiplex, and integral-field capability, WST will enable transformative surveys across cosmology and large-scale structure, galaxy evolution, the CGM/IGM, high-redshift galaxies and reionization, black holes and AGN, Galactic archaeology, resolved stellar populations, time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics, Solar System science, and survey/data-analysis methodology.

This Cambridge workshop will bring together researchers from the WST community, the UK, and the wider international community to explore the science potential of WST and shape future engagement with the project. The meeting will highlight key science drivers, survey strategies, synergies with facilities such as WEAVE, MOONS, DESI, 4MOST, Gaia, PLATO, Euclid, Rubin/LSST, Roman, JWST, ALMA, SKA, and CMB experiments, and opportunities for community participation.

Key Discussion Topics

  • Science priorities for WST  
  • Survey strategy and design  
  • Synergies with current and future facilities  
  • Instrument and technical development  
  • Theory, simulations, and data infrastructure  
  • UK and international community engagement  
  • Pathways to participation  
  • Training and early-career involvement

Conference information

Date/Time

Starts

Ends

All times are in Europe/London

Location

Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

Chairpersons

The call for abstracts is open
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