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 a significant gathering of physicists from around the world. This year’s event, which combines the previously separate APS March and April meetings, is set to attract at least 14,000 attendees. The summit, billed as the world’s largest physics research conference, takes place under the theme “science for a shared future.” The theme is particularly relevant given the current global challenges that require collaborative solutions.
The APS March and April meetings have long been pivotal events in the physics community. They provide a platform for physicists to meet colleagues whose work they have studied, learn about cutting-edge research, and explore career opportunities. These meetings are renowned for their networking potential, allowing participants to build connections, exchange ideas, and advance their professional profiles. Occasionally, these gatherings have witnessed groundbreaking announcements, such as the discovery of room-temperature superconductors in 2023 and the presentation of data on high-temperature superconductors in 1987.
However, the 2026 summit is taking place against a backdrop of political tensions, particularly concerning US immigration policies. The US government has suspended visa issuance to nearly 40 nations, ostensibly to protect national security. This has raised concerns among physicists, as many may be deterred from attending the summit and other scientific meetings in the US.
The situation is particularly poignant for physicists from countries affected by the visa restrictions. Ethiopia, for instance, has a history of remarkable contributions to physics despite significant challenges. Mulugeta Bekele, a physicist who played a crucial role in sustaining the field in Ethiopia during the 1970s and 1980s, was awarded the American Physical Society’s Sakharov human-rights prize in 2012. Bekele received his award at the 2012 APS March meeting in Boston. It is unclear whether he would be able to attend a summit in the US under the current visa policies.
The visa restrictions have sparked discussions within the scientific community about potential boycotts of US-based events. One US physicist has called for outsiders to boycott US events in response to the situation. The 2026 Global Physics Summit, therefore, is not only a celebration of scientific progress but also a moment of reflection on the role of international collaboration in advancing physics and addressing global challenges. As the world grapples with complex issues, the theme of “science for a shared future” serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in the pursuit of knowledge.









