The African Pulsar Timing group is excited to announce our first IPTA meeting, set against the scenic backdrop of the Drakensberg mountain range in South Africa. The meeting will provide the latest science updates from the IPTA community as we prepare for the nanoHz gravitational wave detection, while also highlighting a broader pulsar science programme designed to engage, update and benefit the local pulsar community.

Join us for IPTA 2026

Thank you to everyone who completed the early interest form. We now invite you to proceed with the official conference registration.

This process proceeds in two steps. Please submit your conference abstract and funding application in Step 1 and then ensure that you proceed to Step 2 to complete your registration, conference booking, and invoicing requirements. If you have already submitted your abstract and funding request via the early interest form, you may proceed directly to Step 2.

Queries relating to alternative travel arrangements and guest participation can be addressed to Rushkah Miller from Venues for Conferences in Africa at admin@venues.co.za. Please use "IPTA 2026" in your email subject.

Planning to attend the IPTA student week too? Visit the Student Week page to complete your application.

Key Dates

~~Jan 2026~~	~~Early Interest opens~~
27 March 2026	Abstract submission and registration opens
15 April 2026	Abstract submission closes
15 April 2026	Student Week applications close
8 April – 4 May	Funding application outcomes are communicated
15 May 2026	Payment deadline
15 – 19 June	Student Week
22 – 26 June	Science Week

GENERAL INFORMATION

Registration Fee

Registration to attend the Science Week is R8,500 per person (approximately EUR450 or USD540). Please note that the registration fee includes all meals for the duration of your stay (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner). Registration for the Student Week is free, but will be limited to a maximum number of participants.

Science Week Accommodation

Accommodation at Alpine Heath Resort is costed separately from the registration fee at either R1,860 per person per night (two people sharing a chalet) or R1,760 per person per night (three people sharing a chalet). All chalets are self-catering units with three bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite and one separate). More information about the accommodation is available on their website

Note Please do not book accommodation through the resort website. Alpine Heath Resort is holding a block booking for the conference. Invoices for both registration and accommodation are processed via 'Step 2' on this website.

Transport and Logistics

Please note that Alpine Heath Resort is located in a remote area of the Drakensberg, approximately 4 hours by bus from O.R Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). We strongly recommend that Science Week attendees travel via O.R Tambo International Airport to Alpine Heath Resort. There is no public transport available to the resort. Access is therefore limited to the transport service arranged by the Local Organising Committee, renting a car, or booking a private transfer (via e.g. Champagne Shuttle Hire).

A transport service arranged by the LOC will operate from O.R Tambo International Airport to Alpine Heath Resort on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The first shuttle will depart at 12:00, and the second (and final) shuttle will depart at 16:00. Return transport from Alpine Heath Resort to O.R Tambo International Airport will be available on Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 10:00. Please allow at least 4 hours for the journey.

Transport costs are the responsibility of each delegate. The return shuttle service (OR Tambo to Alpine Heath and back) is priced at R1,900.00 per person, and can be selected as part of the conference registration and booking process (Step 2). Should you decide to arrive at O.R Tambo International Airport before Sunday, 21 June, a list of recommended accommodation and ‘things to do’ will be available on this website closer to the conference date.

Attendees of the Student Week will similarly have organised transport from O.R Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to North West University in Potchefstroom, and then on to Alpine Heath Resort.

Science Week Programme Outline

Our conference programme for Science Week will be broadly structured as follows:

Sunday, 21 June 2026	Check-in to Alpine Heath Resort in the afternoon
Monday to Friday	Science programme
Wednesday afternoon	Free afternoon for social activities
Thursday evening	DSTI Gala Dinner
Saturday, 27 June 2026	Check-out in the morning