4WAI
4TH WORKSHOP FOR ASTRONOMY BEYOND THE COMMON SENSES
FOR ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
2026
FOR ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
2026
Cancún
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Be part of
The IV Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI) continues a growing international effort to promote equity, accessibility, and inclusion in astronomy. Building on previous editions held in Colombia, online, and Uruguay, the workshop brings together astronomers, educators, disability specialists, students, and science communicators to share experiences and innovative practices.
The 4WAI provides a collaborative space to discuss inclusive methodologies, assistive technologies, and strategies that broaden participation in astronomy education, research, and outreach. Aligned with the values of the International Astronomical Union, the workshop highlights astronomy as a powerful tool for social inclusion and scientific enrichment.
Scientific Organising Committee
Beatriz García (Universidad Tecnológica Nacional, CONICET, Argentina)
Santiago Vargas (Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia)
Johana Casado (Universidad de Mendoza, Argentina)
Kelly Blumenthal (International Astronomical Union)
Ángela Pérez (Red de Astronomía de Colombia)
Breezy Ocaña Flaquer (Caribbean Astronomy for Inclusion)
Santiago Vargas (Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia)
Johana Casado (Universidad de Mendoza, Argentina)
Kelly Blumenthal (International Astronomical Union)
Ángela Pérez (Red de Astronomía de Colombia)
Breezy Ocaña Flaquer (Caribbean Astronomy for Inclusion)
Local
Organising
Committee
Vladimir Ávila
Margarita Rosado Solis
Durruty J. De Alba Martínez
Mónica Martínez Borrayo
Beatriz García
Santiago Vargas
Margarita Rosado Solis
Durruty J. De Alba Martínez
Mónica Martínez Borrayo
Beatriz García
Santiago Vargas
TOPICS
Exploring the Topics of Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses
The workshop addresses a broad range of topics focused on accessibility, inclusion, and innovation in astronomy education, research, and outreach. Core themes include inclusive and universal design methodologies for astronomy teaching, the use of assistive technologies and multisensory approaches (tactile models, sonification, audio description, and haptic tools), and strategies to make astronomical data and observations accessible to diverse audiences.
Additional topics cover astronomy outreach for blind and visually impaired communities, inclusive STEM education, community-based and participatory projects, accessibility in planetariums and science centers, and the role of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and open-source software in expanding access to astronomical knowledge. The workshop also highlights case studies, best practices, and collaborative initiatives that promote equity, social inclusion, and broader participation in astronomy across Latin America and beyond.
Important Dates
9 April 2026: First announcement
15 April 2026: Abstract submission opens
20 May 2026: Second announcement
1 August 2026: Abstract submission deadline
15 August 2026: Communication of selected oral/poster contributions and grants awarded
30 Nov - 1 Dec 2026: 4WAI in Cancún
15 January 2027: Proceeding submission deadline
15 April 2026: Abstract submission opens
20 May 2026: Second announcement
1 August 2026: Abstract submission deadline
15 August 2026: Communication of selected oral/poster contributions and grants awarded
30 Nov - 1 Dec 2026: 4WAI in Cancún
15 January 2027: Proceeding submission deadline
Event
Venue
The workshop will take place within the framework of the Latin American Regional IAU Meeting (LARIM 2026), one of the most important astronomy meetings in the region. The event will be hosted at the official LARIM 2026 venues in Cancún, México, providing an inspiring and dynamic environment for scientific exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Full
Agenda
and Speakers
The symposium program is currently under development. We are actively working on defining the agenda, sessions, and activities, and on confirming speakers and topics. A preliminary program will be shared soon. Stay tuned for updates and check back regularly as we continue to build a dynamic and engaging symposium.
Conference
Proceedings
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the IAUS400 Proceedings.
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Register
to
4WAI
We invite you to register for the IV Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI) and join an international, interdisciplinary community committed to advancing equity and accessibility in astronomy. By registering, you will take part in discussions and exchanges focused on inclusive practices in education, research, outreach, and science communication, contributing to a collective effort to expand participation and reimagine how astronomy can be experienced beyond the common senses.
Submit
your
contribution
We invite researchers, educators, students, and science communicators to submit abstracts for the IV Workshop on Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI). Contributions may focus on inclusive practices, assistive and multisensory technologies, accessible astronomy education, research, outreach, and community-based initiatives.
Accepted contributions will be presented as oral talks or posters, fostering exchange and collaboration among participants.
Sponsors
Observatorio Astronómico Nacional de Colombia
Universidad de Mendoza
UTN Facultad Regional Mendoza
Instituto de Bioingeniería
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
International Astronomical Union
Universidad de Mendoza
UTN Facultad Regional Mendoza
Instituto de Bioingeniería
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
International Astronomical Union
