Event details

Date
March 22, 2027  – March 26, 2027
Location
Sport & Kurhotel at Bad Moos - Via Val Fiscalina 27, 39030, Sexten
This workshop is by invitation only

Scientific Rationale

Despite constituting the majority of matter in the Universe, dark matter remains one of the most fundamental open problems in modern physics. Dark matter plays a central role in structure formation, galaxy evolution, and cosmology, with compelling evidence arising from galaxy rotation curves, gravitational lensing, cosmic microwave background anisotropies, and large-scale structure
measurements.

Over the past decades, major progress has been achieved through the combined efforts of observations, numerical simulations, and experimental searches. Galaxies, large-scale structure, and particle-physics experiments now provide complementary constraints on the nature of the dark sector. At the same time, direct and indirect detection experiments have yet to identify the underlying particle nature, while small-scale tensions and emerging observational discrepancies challenge aspects of the standard cosmological paradigm.

In this rapidly evolving context, new interdisciplinary approaches are required. This focused workshop aims to bring together experts from cosmology, galaxy evolution, particle physics, and data science to foster dialogue across traditionally separated communities. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interplay between observations, simulations, and experiments, as well as on the growing role of data-driven methodologies such as machine learning and simulation-based inference.

This workshop seeks to address the key questions listed in the following.

  • How accurately can we map the dark matter distribution in the Universe?
  • Do galaxies confirm ΛCDM predictions?
  • Is the high redshift Universe presenting new challenges for ΛCDM?
  • Are detection strategies targeting the correct parameter space?
  • Are alternative models required?
  • How can modern data science accelerate discovery?

The scientific program will be structured around some focused themes, corresponding to dedicated discussion sessions.

  • Mapping the Invisible Universe
  • Galaxies as Dark Matter Laboratories
  • Hunting the Dark Particle
  • Beyond the Standard Paradigm
  • Data, AI, and the Future

Designed as a highly interactive and discussion-driven workshop, the format will prioritize scientific exchange and collaboration over traditional conference-style presentations within a small, invitation-only group of participants.

For any questions regarding the conference, please send an email to carlo.cannarozzo@nyu.edu with the subject line “Lighting up the Dark – Question” .

Organizers

Scientific Organising Committee
Carlo Cannarozzo (chair, New York University Abu Dhabi)
Andrea Macciò (co-chair, New York University Abu Dhabi)
Gianfranco Bertone (University of Amsterdam)
Dimitrios Kantzas (New York University Abu Dhabi)
Claudia Lagos (University of Western Australia)
Jeremy Jin Leong Lim (Hong Kong University)
Lina Necib (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Aldo Rodriguez-Puebla (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)
Francisco Villaescusa (Flatiron Institute)

Local Organising Committee
Leen Alrawas (New York University Abu Dhabi)
Bianca Arkeen (New York University Abu Dhabi)
Carlo Cannarozzo (chair, New York University Abu Dhabi)
Gabriella Deconi (Sexten Center for Astrophysics Riccardo Giacconi)
Dimitrios Kantzas (New York University Abu Dhabi)
Andrea Macciò (co-chair, New York University Abu Dhabi)
Mandy Mudhar (New York University Abu Dhabi)

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Payment details

Registration Fee
350 Eur
Workshop code for bus and payment
LUD27