Machine learning meets galaxy classifications 2: New observations, new challenges

Galaxy evolution and its interplay with physical and cosmological parameters are fundamental aspects of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. The unprecedented wealth of data, spanning multiple observational regimes, in combination with the modern machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies, bring a wide variety of approaches and resources to deepen our understanding of the Universe. 

Building upon the foundations of galaxy classification and environmental effects explored in the previous edition of this workshop, we now focus on the opportunities and challenges from combining data from facilities like HST, JWST, ALMA or VLT  with upcoming surveys from next-generation observatories (Euclid, Vera C. Rubin Observatory, ARRAKIHS, etc.). While advanced machine learning approaches can process and analyze data at unprecedented scales, their results require rigorous validation and physical interpretation to ensure robust scientific conclusions.

This workshop will bring together ML and galaxy experts to review the current state of the field, discuss recent breakthroughs, and explore new avenues opened by ongoing and future surveys, from ground-based and space-borne facilities. Beyond showcasing technical advances, we aim to reflect critically on machine learning's impact: distinguishing between its capacity to accelerate and scale traditional methodologies, and its potential to fundamentally transform our questions and approaches to understanding galaxy evolution.

Designed as an open forum, the workshop will emphasize dynamic exchanges among scientists and live discussions. We welcome contributions from researchers at every stage of their careers.

The conference will take place at the European Space Astronomy Centre, ESAC, on the 10^th - 12^th of June, 2026, and there will be no conference fees.

Important Dates

25/02/2026 Opening of the registration and abstract submission.

30/04/2026 Deadline abstract submission. (Originally set to the 27th, but extended due a mismatch related to time zones)

15/05/2026 Publication of Scientific Program.

25/05/2026 Deadline for registration.

10-12/06/2026 Workshop

Invited Speakers

Simona Mei, Paris Observatory.

Nicola R. Napolitano, University of Naples Federico II, Scuola Superiore Normale Meridionale (SSM), Naples.

Hareesh Thuruthipilly, University of Valladolid.

Giuseppe Angora, University of Naples Federico II.
 

Scientific program

The scientific program will be published on the 15/05/2026.

You can find the scientific program here.

Registration and abstract submission

You can register here.

For abstract submission, please use this form.

Participants

You can find here the list of registered attendees.

Scientific Organizing Committe

Ricardo Pérez Martínez (co-chair, ISDEFE for ESA)

Ana María Pérez García (co-chair, ISDEFE)

Helena Domínguez Sánchez (IFCA)

Sandor Kruk (ESA)

Mireia Montes (ICE-CSIC)

David O'Ryan (ESA)

Crescenzo Tortora (INAF)

Jesús Vega Ferrero (Deduce)

Local Organizing Committe

Ricardo Pérez Martínez (co-chair, ISDEFE for ESA)

Ana María Pérez García (co-chair, ISDEFE)

Justyna Kowalska (Starion for ESA)

Raquel Pérez Méndez (Starion for ESA)

David O'Ryan (ESA)

Venue and Transport

The conference will take place at the European Space Astronomy Centre, ESAC (ESA). 

The organization will set up a shuttle service connecting Moncloa Transport Hub (Madrid) and ESAC. Please, tick in the box in the registration form if you intend to use it.

The shuttle service from Madrid to ESAC will departure from the main gate of the Hotel Exe Moncloa, at Arcipestre de Hita st, 41, (Moncloa area, see image) to reach the conference venue before the start of the meeting. It will return from ESAC to the same place at the end of the scientific sessions. 

The bus schedule is:

10/06/2026 Departure from Madrid to ESAC at 12:45 CEST. Departure from ESAC to Madrid at 18:30 CEST

11/06/2026  Departure from Madrid to ESAC at 09:15 CEST. Departure from ESAC to Madrid at 18:00 CEST

12/06/2026  Departure from Madrid to ESAC at 09:15 CEST. Departure from ESAC to Madrid at 14:00 CEST

There is also a public transport service from/to Moncloa transport hub: line 623, green buses. The buses leaving at 07:15, 08:15, 09:15, 16:10 and 16:50 from Moncloa will stop at ESAC (they have an "ESAC" singn in the fromt window). The buses from ESAC to Moncloa departure at 08:25, 09:30, 17:00 and 18:00 from the main gate.

You may find directions to ESAC here.

Social program

The social dinner will take place at Madrid on the 11th of June, at 20:00 at San Genaro, Calle Toledo, 87.

The event will take the form of a standing cocktail reception aimed at fostering interaction and engaging discussion. The cost is €30 per person, to be paid directly by the attendees.

Code of conduct

All registered participants are expected to take note of the wokshop Code of Conduct.

Poster

Please, feel free to print the conference poster and place it in a prominent board in your institution. You can find it here.

Contact

You may send your comments or questions to this email