Dear Colleagues, Dear Participants,
It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to the XXXVIth URSI General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, URSI GASS 2026, taking place in Kraków, Poland, from 15 to 22 August 2026. URSI GASS is the flagship scientific event of the International Union of Radio Science, held every three years since 1919, and we are honoured that Kraków has been selected to host this latest edition.
For more than a century, the General Assembly and Scientific Symposium has provided a unique international forum to review current research trends, present new scientific results, and define future directions and collaborative projects across the full breadth of radio science. During the Symposium, you will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world, share your latest achievements, and help shape the future directions of our field.
The scientific programme comprises approximately 1,300 accepted papers ̶ an exceptional response and a considerable success, particularly in view of the financial constraints currently affecting universities and research institutions in some regions of the world. Covering all ten URSI Scientific Commissions, it brings fundamental and applied aspects of radio science within a common scientific framework. In addition to the regular Commission sessions, the programme includes tutorials, workshops, and pre‑conference training activities.
The General Assembly was held in Poland for the first time in 1972 in Warsaw. More than five decades later, we are proud to welcome the URSI community again to a country that has undergone profound social, economic, and scientific transformation, while preserving its rich cultural heritage and strong traditions in research, engineering, and education. Today’s Poland is open, modern, and deeply integrated with the international scientific community, and it is a privilege to host URSI GASS 2026 in this context.
Polish radio science continues to shape the field internationally, exemplified by the influential work of Professor Aleksander Wolszczan, whose discoveries have significantly advanced our understanding of planetary systems. His ongoing contributions will be highlighted at the Opening Ceremony through the lecture “Exoplanets in the Radio”, complementing a rich programme of general lectures, tutorials, workshops, and scientific sessions.
URSI GASS 2026 is strongly committed to supporting students and young researchers. Activities for early‑career participants include training workshops, the URSI Radio Science School for Young Scientists, the 13th International URSI Student Paper Competition, and the URSI Young Scientist Awards initiative. A number of student and young‑scientist activities were financially supported by the Polish Space Agency.
Kraków, once the seat of Polish kings and long a centre of culture, learning, and intellectual exchange, offers a unique blend of historical depth and modern vibrancy, with landmarks such as the Royal Hill of Wawel, the Old Town, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Jagiellonian University ̶ founded in 1364 and still one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. The Assembly will be held at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre overlooking Wawel Castle and within walking distance of the historic centre, inviting participants to explore the city’s streets, museums, and cafés while enjoying an inspiring setting rooted in centuries‑old academic tradition, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant scientific community that fosters discussion, exchange, and new professional relationships.
I also invite you to enjoy the social and cultural programme. The Welcome Reception, informal meetings during breaks, local tours, and the Gala Dinner in the historic Kazimierz district will provide opportunities to experience Kraków’s atmosphere and to continue scientific conversations in a more relaxed setting.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I sincerely thank the ministries, government agencies and other public institutions granting honorary patronage, together with our strategic and institutional partners, sponsors and exhibitors, the IEEE Societies and Poland Section, Polish universities, research institutes, scientific organizations and foundations supporting the Assembly.
I am equally grateful to the URSI leadership and Scientific Commissions, programme coordinators, reviewers, session conveners and chairs, committee members, the Local Organising Committee, Symposium Cracoviense and our volunteers for their work and commitment.
I wish you an inspiring, productive, and memorable Symposium, and I hope that your time here will contribute not only to the advancement of radio science but also to lasting friendships and international cooperation.
Prof. Józef Modelski
URSI GASS 2026 General Chair
Important dates
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