Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I get an invitation letter (for VISA/funding purposes)?
We are willing to provide invitation letters confirming a presentation that can be used for VISA/funding purposes before announcement of talks/posters. Please email us at ipta2026info@googlegroups.com with the information you require on your invitation letter.
When will I know if my abstract has been accepted?
The SOC begins to look at abstracts from 15 April. Any further updates will be communicated as soon as possible.
Can I stay at a hotel/Airbnb instead of Alpine Heath during the Science Week?
No. Alpine Heath is located in a remote part of the Drakensberg Mountains. Any other accommodation option will be too far from the conference venue.
Can I book accommodation directly with Alpine Heath or another third-party platform like Booking.com?
No, Alpine Heath is holding a block booking for conference delegates at negotiated package rates.
Can I apply to present a poster/talk if I do not work on pulsar timing?
Yes! We encourage all pulsar-related science at this IPTA meeting.
When will I hear about registration fee waivers/accommodation funding?
All funding decisions will be announced by no later than 4 May 2026.
How much do the shuttles cost (from/to airport / NWU / Alpine Heath)?
The return shuttle from OR Tambo to Alpine Heath and back to OR Tambo will cost R1,900 per person. The journey will take just over 4 hours.
How often will the shuttles run from OR Tambo International Airport?
There will be two shuttles from OR Tambo to Alpine Heath Resort on Sunday 21 June 2026. The first shuttle will leave OR Tambo at 12:00 and the second (and last) shuttle will leave at 16:00. All delegates are asked to ensure that they time their arrivals at OR Tambo accordingly.
Will there be a shuttle from NWU to the airport after the Student Week if I do not plan to attend the Science Week?
Currently there are no return transport arrangements from Student Week for participants of Student Week only.
Are there any other modes of transport I can use to arrive at the conference venue (Alpine Heath) if I cannot use the shuttle?
There is no public transport option to get to Alpine Heath. The only options other than the shuttle are to hire a private vehicle, or arrange a private transfer (e.g. Champagne Shuttle and Coach Hire). Note such transfers are costly.
When can I make my registration/accommodation payment?
As soon as you have received your invoice from Venues for Conferences in Africa. This is requested via Step 2 of our official registration procedure. All payments need to be made no later than 15 May 2026.
How much will the Gala Dinner cost?
The Gala Dinner will largely be sponsored by the South African Department of Science and Innovation. A contribution of R300 will be required from each delegate attending the Gala Dinner. Delegates who want to bring a guest to the Gala Dinner must contact Rushkah at admin@venues.co.za for non-delegate rates.
Will there be childcare provided during the Science Week?
We will be providing feedback on this as soon as possible.
We are willing to provide invitation letters confirming a presentation that can be used for VISA/funding purposes before announcement of talks/posters. Please email us at ipta2026info@googlegroups.com with the information you require on your invitation letter.
When will I know if my abstract has been accepted?
The SOC begins to look at abstracts from 15 April. Any further updates will be communicated as soon as possible.
Can I stay at a hotel/Airbnb instead of Alpine Heath during the Science Week?
No. Alpine Heath is located in a remote part of the Drakensberg Mountains. Any other accommodation option will be too far from the conference venue.
Can I book accommodation directly with Alpine Heath or another third-party platform like Booking.com?
No, Alpine Heath is holding a block booking for conference delegates at negotiated package rates.
Can I apply to present a poster/talk if I do not work on pulsar timing?
Yes! We encourage all pulsar-related science at this IPTA meeting.
When will I hear about registration fee waivers/accommodation funding?
All funding decisions will be announced by no later than 4 May 2026.
How much do the shuttles cost (from/to airport / NWU / Alpine Heath)?
The return shuttle from OR Tambo to Alpine Heath and back to OR Tambo will cost R1,900 per person. The journey will take just over 4 hours.
How often will the shuttles run from OR Tambo International Airport?
There will be two shuttles from OR Tambo to Alpine Heath Resort on Sunday 21 June 2026. The first shuttle will leave OR Tambo at 12:00 and the second (and last) shuttle will leave at 16:00. All delegates are asked to ensure that they time their arrivals at OR Tambo accordingly.
Will there be a shuttle from NWU to the airport after the Student Week if I do not plan to attend the Science Week?
Currently there are no return transport arrangements from Student Week for participants of Student Week only.
Are there any other modes of transport I can use to arrive at the conference venue (Alpine Heath) if I cannot use the shuttle?
There is no public transport option to get to Alpine Heath. The only options other than the shuttle are to hire a private vehicle, or arrange a private transfer (e.g. Champagne Shuttle and Coach Hire). Note such transfers are costly.
When can I make my registration/accommodation payment?
As soon as you have received your invoice from Venues for Conferences in Africa. This is requested via Step 2 of our official registration procedure. All payments need to be made no later than 15 May 2026.
How much will the Gala Dinner cost?
The Gala Dinner will largely be sponsored by the South African Department of Science and Innovation. A contribution of R300 will be required from each delegate attending the Gala Dinner. Delegates who want to bring a guest to the Gala Dinner must contact Rushkah at admin@venues.co.za for non-delegate rates.
Will there be childcare provided during the Science Week?
We will be providing feedback on this as soon as possible.