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Fourth Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI)
Cancún, Mexico | 30 November – 1 December 2026
The Scientific and Local Organizing Committees are pleased to announce the Fourth Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI), to be held on 30 November and 1 December 2026 in Cancún, Mexico, within the framework of the 18th Latin American Regional IAU Meeting (LARIM 2026). The 4WAI continues an international initiative dedicated to promoting equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in astronomy. Following successful editions held in Colombia, online, and Uruguay, the workshop provides a unique forum for astronomers, educators, disability specialists, students, science communicators, and inclusion advocates to exchange experiences, methodologies, and innovative practices that broaden participation in astronomy.
The workshop will focus on topics including:
Universal and inclusive design in astronomy education.
Assistive technologies for astronomy learning and outreach.
Tactile astronomy, sonification, audio description, and haptic tools.
Accessible astronomical data and observations.
Astronomy outreach for blind and visually impaired communities.
Inclusive STEM education and community-based initiatives.
Accessibility in planetariums, observatories, and science centers.
Artificial intelligence and digital tools for accessible astronomy.
Best practices and case studies promoting inclusion and equity.
The workshop venue will be the Colegio de Bachilleres Plantel Cancún Uno, which will host the event in collaboration with LARIM 2026.
Important Dates
15 April 2026: Abstract submission opens
1 August 2026: Abstract submission deadline
15 August 2026: Notification of accepted contributions
30 November – 1 December 2026: Workshop dates
15 January 2027: Proceedings submission deadline
Researchers, educators, students, science communicators, and professionals working in accessibility and inclusion are warmly invited to submit contributions and participate in this international gathering.
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)
Local Organising Committee
Vladimir Ávila
Margarita Rosado Solís
Durruty J. De Alba Martínez
Mónica Martínez Borrayo
Joel Omar Yam Gamboa
Beatriz García
Santiago Vargas
We encourage all members of the astronomical, educational, and accessibility communities to join us in exploring new ways to experience and share astronomy beyond the common senses.
For registration, abstract submission, and updates, please visit the workshop website.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cancún in November 2026.
Scientific Organising Committee
Fourth Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI)
Circular Announcement
4th Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI 2026) We are pleased to announce the 4th Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI 2026), which will take place on 30–31 November 2026 in Cancún, México, within the framework of the Latin American Regional IAU Meeting (LARIM 2026). The 4WAI workshop continues a growing international effort to promote equity, accessibility, and inclusion in astronomy. Building on previous editions held in Colombia, online, and Uruguay, this event brings together astronomers, educators, disability specialists, students, and science communicators to share experiences and innovative practices.
The workshop will provide a collaborative platform to discuss:
- Inclusive and universal design methodologies in astronomy education
- Assistive technologies and multisensory approaches (tactile models, sonification, audio description, haptics)
Accessibility in astronomical data, observations, and outreach
Inclusive STEM education and community-based initiatives
Accessibility in planetariums and science centers
The role of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and open-source software in broadening access to astronomy
Aligned with the values of the International Astronomical Union, 4WAI highlights astronomy as a powerful tool for social inclusion and scientific enrichment, particularly across Latin America and beyond. We warmly invite researchers, educators, students, and practitioners to participate and contribute to this interdisciplinary exchange.
Important Dates
April 15, 2026 – First announcement
April 15, 2026 – Abstract submission opens
May 1, 2026 – Second announcement
August 1, 2026 – Abstract submission deadline
August 15, 2026 – Notification of contributions
Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2026 – Workshop dates
January 15, 2027 – Proceedings submission deadline
Participation
Participants are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations. Contributions may address inclusive practices, accessible astronomy education, assistive technologies, outreach initiatives, and related topics.
Registration is free of charge.
For more information, registration, and abstract submission, please visit:
👉 https://astronomiaoan.co/4wai/
We look forward to your participation in 4WAI 2026, and to continuing the collective effort toward a more inclusive and accessible astronomy.
Cancún, Mexico | 30 November – 1 December 2026
The Scientific and Local Organizing Committees are pleased to announce the Fourth Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI), to be held on 30 November and 1 December 2026 in Cancún, Mexico, within the framework of the 18th Latin American Regional IAU Meeting (LARIM 2026). The 4WAI continues an international initiative dedicated to promoting equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in astronomy. Following successful editions held in Colombia, online, and Uruguay, the workshop provides a unique forum for astronomers, educators, disability specialists, students, science communicators, and inclusion advocates to exchange experiences, methodologies, and innovative practices that broaden participation in astronomy.
The workshop will focus on topics including:
Universal and inclusive design in astronomy education.
Assistive technologies for astronomy learning and outreach.
Tactile astronomy, sonification, audio description, and haptic tools.
Accessible astronomical data and observations.
Astronomy outreach for blind and visually impaired communities.
Inclusive STEM education and community-based initiatives.
Accessibility in planetariums, observatories, and science centers.
Artificial intelligence and digital tools for accessible astronomy.
Best practices and case studies promoting inclusion and equity.
The workshop venue will be the Colegio de Bachilleres Plantel Cancún Uno, which will host the event in collaboration with LARIM 2026.
Important Dates
15 April 2026: Abstract submission opens
1 August 2026: Abstract submission deadline
15 August 2026: Notification of accepted contributions
30 November – 1 December 2026: Workshop dates
15 January 2027: Proceedings submission deadline
Researchers, educators, students, science communicators, and professionals working in accessibility and inclusion are warmly invited to submit contributions and participate in this international gathering.
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)
Local Organising Committee
Vladimir Ávila
Margarita Rosado Solís
Durruty J. De Alba Martínez
Mónica Martínez Borrayo
Joel Omar Yam Gamboa
Beatriz García
Santiago Vargas
We encourage all members of the astronomical, educational, and accessibility communities to join us in exploring new ways to experience and share astronomy beyond the common senses.
For registration, abstract submission, and updates, please visit the workshop website.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cancún in November 2026.
Scientific Organising Committee
Fourth Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI)
Circular Announcement
4th Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI 2026) We are pleased to announce the 4th Workshop for Astronomy Beyond the Common Senses for Accessibility and Inclusion (4WAI 2026), which will take place on 30–31 November 2026 in Cancún, México, within the framework of the Latin American Regional IAU Meeting (LARIM 2026). The 4WAI workshop continues a growing international effort to promote equity, accessibility, and inclusion in astronomy. Building on previous editions held in Colombia, online, and Uruguay, this event brings together astronomers, educators, disability specialists, students, and science communicators to share experiences and innovative practices.
The workshop will provide a collaborative platform to discuss:
- Inclusive and universal design methodologies in astronomy education
- Assistive technologies and multisensory approaches (tactile models, sonification, audio description, haptics)
Accessibility in astronomical data, observations, and outreach
Inclusive STEM education and community-based initiatives
Accessibility in planetariums and science centers
The role of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and open-source software in broadening access to astronomy
Aligned with the values of the International Astronomical Union, 4WAI highlights astronomy as a powerful tool for social inclusion and scientific enrichment, particularly across Latin America and beyond. We warmly invite researchers, educators, students, and practitioners to participate and contribute to this interdisciplinary exchange.
Important Dates
April 15, 2026 – First announcement
April 15, 2026 – Abstract submission opens
May 1, 2026 – Second announcement
August 1, 2026 – Abstract submission deadline
August 15, 2026 – Notification of contributions
Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2026 – Workshop dates
January 15, 2027 – Proceedings submission deadline
Participation
Participants are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations. Contributions may address inclusive practices, accessible astronomy education, assistive technologies, outreach initiatives, and related topics.
Registration is free of charge.
For more information, registration, and abstract submission, please visit:
👉 https://astronomiaoan.co/4wai/
We look forward to your participation in 4WAI 2026, and to continuing the collective effort toward a more inclusive and accessible astronomy.