The American Physical Society’s 2026 Global Physics Summit opens in Denver
The "shared future" theme of the world's biggest physics meeting this year is opportune The post The American Physical Society’s 2026 Global Physics Summit opens in Denver appeared first on Physics World .

The American Physical Society’s 2026 Global Physics Summit opens in Denver, marking the largest physics research conference of the year. Held in Denver, Colorado, the event combines the previously separate APS March and April meetings, with an expected attendance of over 14,000 participants. This year’s summit is themed “science for a shared future,” a fitting motif given the current global challenges and the need for collaboration among scientists worldwide.
The Global Physics Summit (GPS) has long been a significant event in the scientific calendar, offering physicists a platform to connect with colleagues, learn about new research, and potentially advance their careers. The meetings have been a pilgrimage for many, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking, gossip, and showcasing one’s work. Notably, these gatherings have occasionally been the stage for groundbreaking announcements, such as the discovery of room-temperature superconductors in 2023 and the presentation of high-temperature superconductors data in 1987.
However, the current political climate in the United States has raised concerns for international physicists considering attending the summit. The US government has suspended visa issuance to nearly 40 nations, ostensibly to protect national security. This ban affects countries like Ethiopia, home to physicist Mulugeta Bekele, who played a pivotal role in sustaining Ethiopian physics during the 1970s and 1980s despite facing imprisonment and torture. In 2012, Mulugeta was awarded the American Physical Society’s Sakharov human-rights prize and received the honor at that year’s APS March meeting in Boston. The question now arises: would Mulugeta be able to enter the US under the current visa restrictions?
The situation has sparked discussions among the scientific community, with some suggesting a boycott of US-based events as a response to the visa restrictions. As tensions rise, the 2026 Global Physics Summit serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing international scientific collaboration in an increasingly divided world. Despite these obstacles, the event remains a testament to the enduring power of science to transcend political boundaries and foster global understanding. As physicists gather in Denver, they will undoubtedly engage in discussions about the future of their field and the role science must play in building a shared future for all.









