Heraklion, Crete, is preparing to host one of the most significant international scientific conferences in the field of atmospheric chemistry and climate change. The iCACGP-IGAC 2026 International Conference is jointly organized by the International Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP) and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project (IGAC) and will be held at the Cultural and Conference Center of Heraklion from 6 to 11 September 2026, bringing together over 700 researchers from around the world.

A Platform for Dialogue on Earth’s Atmosphere

Under the theme “Atmospheric Chemistry within the Earth System: Understanding Changes and Impacts,” the conference will bring together researchers from around the world to present the latest scientific findings and discuss the interactions of the atmosphere with the ocean, ice and land, emissions and their impacts on air pollution, climate-air quality interactions, and the use of artificial intelligence in atmospheric observation and modeling. The program includes a dedicated panel discussion on emerging research topics, tools and challenges in the field.

This is a gathering with a long history: iCACGP was founded in 1957, while IGAC was established in 1990 as an international network of scientists studying air quality, climate change, and carbon and nitrogen cycles, aiming to foster interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration on the most pressing issues of global change and sustainability.

Crete: A Crossroads of Three Continents

The choice of Crete is no coincidence. As Maria Kanakidou, Professor at the University of Crete and Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, notes in her welcome address, the island’s rich history, natural beauty and strategic location at the crossroads of three continents offer unique opportunities for atmospheric research and field studies, creating an environment that fosters both scientific and cultural exchange. Nikos Mihalopoulos, Research Director from the National Observatory of Athens, serves as Co-Chair of the Local Organizing Committee.

The conference will be hosted at the Cultural and Conference Center of Heraklion, a modern five-building complex located close to landmark sites of the city, such as the remnants of the Venetian walls and the burial site of Nikos Kazantzakis. Heraklion, the capital of Crete and gateway to the palatial site of Knossos, cradle of Minoan civilization, offers delegates the rare opportunity to combine scientific exchange with a profound experience of thousands of years of history and culture.

International Keynote Speakers

The conference stage will welcome distinguished scientists from the international atmospheric science community, including keynote speakers Cathy Clerbaux (LATMOS/Sorbonne Université, France), Vicki H. Grassian (University of California San Diego, USA), Spyros Pandis (University of Patras, Greece) and Allison Steiner (University of Michigan, USA). The Scientific Committee is chaired by Christian George (CNRS-IRCELYON, France) and Vinayak Sinha (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India), with members participating from around the world.

Investing in Early Career Scientists

Ahead of the main conference, the IGAC Early Career Short Course will take place, an institution that has been an integral part of the conference since 2004, with a particular focus on early-career scientists and researchers from developing countries. The conference will also present the Paul J. Crutzen Award, named in honour of the Dutch Nobel Prize–winning atmospheric chemist.

Organizational Framework

Registration for the conference is already open, and prospective sponsors and exhibitors are invited to contact the conference Secretariat. The Official Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) and Secretariat is CONVIN S.A., an accredited member of IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers).

With a rich track record of over 800 successfully organized national and international conferences, CONVIN is one of the most experienced Greek professional congress organizers, with an active presence in Greece and abroad, further establishing Greece’s position as a trusted, high-standard international conference destination.

For more information on the scientific programme, registration and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the official conference website: www.icacgp-igac2026.org

About iCACGP-IGAC 2026

The iCACGP-IGAC 2026 International Conference is jointly organized by the International Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP), a commission of IAMAS (International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences) under IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics), and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project (IGAC).