National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) and Astrobiology Center (ABC) will hold The 70th NIBB Conference/ABC International Symposium “Bridging Astronomy and Biology: Spectral Footprints of Life Beyond Earth” from November 9^th to 11^th, 2026 in Aichi Japan.
 
Our planet’s surface environment is largely shaped by oxygen released through plant photosynthesis and by the vegetation that covers it. At the cellular level, microscopy reveals the pigments that drive photosynthesis and shape the reflection spectra of vegetation, whereas at the planetary level, telescopes can detect distinct yet related photosynthetic signatures in planetary reflection spectra across light-years. Together, these spectral signatures serve as crucial "biosignatures," indicators of life that could reveal its presence on exoplanets from vast interstellar distances.
 
Addressing critical issues related to “biosignatures” requires cross-disciplinary collaboration (spanning biology, environmental science, planetary science, and astronomy) that breaks through traditional academic boundaries. With "spectroscopy" as our unifying keyword, this conference brings together researchers across these disciplines, whether they look through a microscope or a telescope, to exchange ideas on photosynthesis and its planetary consequences, spanning scales from molecules to planets.
 
We provide poster presentation opportunities to facilitate cross-exchange among diverse researchers, share information, and foster younger researchers.
 
For more detail:
https://nibb-abc-conf70.nibb.ac.jp/

Deadlines:
For abstract submission: October 5th, 2026
For registration: October 5th, 2026

Speakers:
Nancy Y. Kiang (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, US)
Wonkook Kim (Pusan National University, KR)
David M. Kramer (Jan IngenHousz Institute, NL)
Sascha P. Quanz (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, CH)
Shang-Min Tsai (Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, TW)
Shingo Kameda (Rikkyo University, JP)
Yui Kawashima (Kyoto University, JP)
Tsuyoshi Komiya (The University of Tokyo, JP)
Masaru Kono (Astrobiology Center, NINS, JP)
Hibiki Noda (National Institute for Environmental Studies, JP)
Kazumi Ozaki (Institute of Science Tokyo, JP)
Yusuke Tsukatani (Biogeochemistry Research Center, JAMSTEC, JP)
Akihiko Yamagishi (Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, JP)
Katsuki Johzuka (Astrobiology Center / National Institute for Basic Biology, NINS, JP)
Toru Kondo (Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems / National Institute for Basic Biology, NINS, JP)
and more (to be announced) 

Science Organizing Committee:
Kenji Takizawa (Astrobiology Center / National Institute for Basic Biology, NINS, JP)
Masahiro Ikoma (Astrobiology Center, NINS, JP)
Teruyuki Hirano (Astrobiology Center, NINS, JP)
Takayuki Kotani (Astrobiology Center, NINS, JP)
 
Date：November 9th (Mon) to 11th (Wed), 2026
Venue: Okazaki Conference Center (Okazaki, Aichi, Japan)
URL : https://nibb-abc-conf70.nibb.ac.jp/
Conference language: English
Registration fee：free
Meal fee: Up to ¥7,200 (Up to ¥4,200 for students)
 
Contact：
Kiyoshi Tatematsu
NIBB Conference Office
National Institute for Basic Biology
E-mail: nibbconf@nibb.ac.jp