Macao has positioned itself at the forefront of space exploration dialogue by hosting the 2026 Macao International Forum on Space and Planetary Sciences, which commenced on Tuesday. The prestigious gathering attracted over 300 distinguished scholars specializing in space and planetary sciences from more than 10 countries and regions worldwide.
The landmark event, organized through a collaboration between Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Shandong University, and the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macao, features an extensive program of academic presentations and specialized thematic discussions. Forum organizers designed the conference to establish an open international platform that fosters dialogue among researchers from diverse backgrounds and promotes coordinated development in future space research initiatives.
MUST President Zhu Jian-Kang emphasized the forum’s strategic significance during his opening ceremony address. “This initiative aims to leverage Macao’s evolving role as a critical hub for China’s aerospace and deep-space research endeavors,” he stated. “By strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and international planetary science communities, we hope to inspire a new generation of young scholars to engage in space science research.”
The Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) provided additional support for the event, with committee member Cheang Kun Wai highlighting the organization’s long-term commitment to advancing scientific innovation. “The FDCT has consistently promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and local scientific advancement,” Cheang noted. “Our support facilitates Macao’s active participation in global scientific development trends, particularly within the rapidly evolving field of space science.”
The forum represents a significant milestone in Macao’s growing influence within the international scientific community, demonstrating the special administrative region’s capacity to host major academic gatherings that bridge Chinese and global space research initiatives.