International Conference on
High Energy Density Laboratory Astrophysics (HEDLA) and
High Energy Density Science (HEDS)
Apr 20–24, 2026, Yokohama, Japan

The scientific program for HEDLA/HEDS has now been released, and the registration site is open. Please note that the deadline for the early-bird registration rate is March 26.

About HEDLA/HEDS:

We are pleased to announce the 15th International Conference on High Energy Density Laboratory Astrophysics (HEDLA), to be held April 20–24, 2026, at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan. This conference will be co-located with the International Conference on High Energy Density Science (HEDS) as part of the Optics and Photonics International Congress (OPIC).
HEDLA is a topical conference series that began in 1996 and has run approximately every other year since then. The goal is to use or develop laboratory experiments to understand high-energy-density phenomena in the universe. HEDS covers the high-energy-density sciences with high-power lasers and their applications.
Past Meetings:

Scope:

Proposed Topics:

Host Organization:

  • Institute of Laser Engineering, The University of Osaka
  • Optics & Photonics International Congress
  • Supported by

  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
    Core-to-Core Program & International Leading Research
  • The University of Osaka
    Institute of Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives
  • Conference Program:

    Scientific Program:

    Timetable (Updated on Jan 26)

    Confirmed Invited Speakers:

    Fabio BACCHINI
    Xue-Ning BAI
    Archie BOTT
    Tilo DOPPNER
    Toshihiro FUJII
    Gianluca GREGORI
    Fan GUO
    Guang-yue HU
    Hantao JI
    Timothy JOHNSON
    Daiji KATO
    Yohei KAWAZURA
           
    Yasuhiro KURAMITSU
    Martin LEMOINE
    Guillaume LOISEL
    Sabrina NAGEL
    Chang-Hee NAM
    Shuichi MATSUKIYO
    Stefano MERLINI
    Yosuke MIZUNO
    Luca ORUSA
    Gabriel RIGON
    Dongsu RYU
    Haruhiko SAITO
           
    Joao SANTOS
    Derek SCHAEFFER
    Masaomi TANAKA
    Petros TZEFERACOS
    Vicente VALENZUELA-VILLASECA
    Suming WENG
    Hiroya YAMAGUCHI
    Weipeng YAO
    Dawei YUAN
    Tim ZIEGLER


    Abstract Submission:

    Submission:

    Please submit your abstract via the OPIC submission site.

    • Proceed to “Submit your Paper Online.” After creating an account, you will be able to upload your abstract.
    • Select “HEDLA/HEDS2026” as the conference name.

    • Abstracts are limited to 1 page and should be formatted based on the HEDS Abstract Template.
    • Abstracts must be submitted in PDF format.
    • Abstracts are text only. No figures, images, or tables are allowed.

    Deadline:

    December 22, 2025
    January 5, 2026 (extended)

    Registration:

    Registration Site:

    OPIC registration site
    The registration page is now open.

    Registration Fee:

    Registration Type On/Before March 26, 2026 After March 27, 2026
    General JPY 75,000 JPY 82,000
    Student/Retiree JPY 25,000 JPY 29,000

    • 1 USD ≈ 155 JPY, 1 EUR ≈ 175 JPY
    • The HEDLA/HEDS Dinner and OPIC Conference Banquet fees are NOT included in the regular or student registrations.
    • For early-bird registration, please complete your payment by March 26, 2026.

    Venue:

    Conference Site:

    Pacifico Yokohama Conference Center
    1-1-1, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-0012, Japan (Map)

    Access:

    Pacifico Yokohama's Guide
    • If you are arriving by air, Haneda Airport is the most convenient option. (Access by Air)

    Accommodations:

    There are many hotels within walking distance of the conference venue. We have selected several major hotels to make your choice easier. Please check the Recommended Hotel List.

    HEDLA/HEDS Dinner:

    We will hold the HEDLA/HEDS Dinner on Tuesday, April 21 in a standing buffet (casual party) style. The participation fee is planned to be around 3,000 JPY. More details will be announced later. If you are planning to join, please let us know in advance using the form below, as we would like to have a rough headcount.
    Note: This dinner is different from the OPIC Banquet held on Wednesday, April 22 — please be careful not to mix them up.

    HEDLA/HEDS Excursion: Factory Night View Boat Cruise

    We are planning a boat tour to enjoy the spectacular factory nightscape on Thursday, April 23. The tour will begin around 6:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours, offering a unique opportunity to view the illuminated industrial complexes of the Kawasaki area from the sea. We are also planning to serve a light meal on board during the cruise. The participation fee is expected to be around 5,000 JPY. If you wish to join, please submit your application using the form below.
    • Registration Form
    • Please note that the tour will be held only if at least 40 participants express interest, which will allow us to reserve the boat as a private charter. The maximum number of participants will be approximately 70, so we encourage those who are interested to register as early as possible.

    Committee:

    Conference Chair:

    Ryosuke KODAMA (U Osaka)
    Takayoshi SANO (U Osaka)

    HEDLA Scientific Organizing Committee:

    Mandy BETHKENHAGEN (LULI)
    Dan CASEY (LLNL)
    Alexis CASNER (U Bordeaux)
    Gilbert COLLINS (U Rochester)
    Tilo DOPPNER (LLNL)
    Forrest DOSS (LANL)
    Frederico FIUZA (IST)
    Gianluca GREGORI (U Oxford)
    Natsumi IWATA (U Osaka)
    Hantao JI (Princeton U)
    Maria Gatu Johnson (MIT)
    Marcus KNUDSON (SNL)
           
    Ryosuke KODAMA (U Osaka)
    Carolyn KURANZ (U Michigan)
    Ivan OLEYNIK (U South Florida)
    Hye-Sook PARK (LLNL)
    Tomek PLEWA (FSU)
    Bruce REMINGTON (LLNL)
    Dmitri RYUTOV (LLNL)
    Youichi SAKAWA (U Osaka)
    Takayoshi SANO (U Osaka)
    Derek SCHAEFFER (UCLA)
    Petros TZEFERACOS (U Rochester)
    Feilu WANG (CAS)

    Local Organizing Committee (Program Committee):

    Masanori IWAMOTO (Kobe U), King Fai Farley LAW (U Osaka), Yutaka OHIRA (U Tokyo), Youichi SAKAWA (U Osaka), Takayoshi SANO (U Osaka; Chair), Shuta TANAKA (Aoyama Gakuin U)

    Contact:

    hedla2026 (at) ile.osaka-u.ac.jp
    http://www.ile.osaka-u.ac.jp/hedla2026/