2nd Plasma Astrophysics School and Workshop (PASW26)

Scientific Rationale

Plasma physical processes play an important role in astrophysics, space physics, and laboratory plasma physics. They govern the dynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere and the solar wind, and are involved in a wide range of observed phenomena in the interstellar and intergalactic media. At the same time, controlled plasma experiments in the laboratory -- ranging from magnetic confinement fusion to laser-plasma interactions -- provide essential insights into fundamental plasma processes relevant to astrophysical and space environments. A deeper understanding of plasma physics is therefore crucial for unraveling the complex behaviors of astrophysical and space systems, as well as for advancing laboratory techniques that bridge fundamental science and applications.

Between 2011 and 2019, the East-Asia School and Workshop on Laboratory, Space, and Astrophysical Plasmas (EASW1–EASW9) provided a platform to foster collaboration, train young scientists, and strengthen plasma astrophysics research across East Asia. This initiative helped advance the field in the region, but the momentum was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the continuing need for sustained training and collaboration, the community has launched a renewed series under the name Plasma Astrophysics School and Workshop (PASW). The inaugural event, PASW25, was successfully held in Wuhan, China, in March 2025 (PASW25), laying a strong foundation. Building on that success, PASW26 will take place in Korea in May 2026.

Objectives

PASW26 aims to:

1) Introduce basic physics of astrophysical, space, and laboratory, plasmas and provide training opportunities for students and early-career researchers.

2) Bring together scientists from astrophysics, space physics, and laboratory plasma physics to exchange ideas and discuss latest results.

3) Foster future collaborations, particularly within the East Asian region, while also promoting broader international engagement.

Topics

Topics to be covered include:

• Plasma and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes in astrophysical, space physics and laboratory environments
• Laser-produced and fusion-related laboratory plasma physics
• Recent advances in astronomy and space-physics observations, such as XRISM and LHASSO, and related issues

Scientific Organizing Committee

• Takanobu Amano (University of Tokyo, Japan)
• Jungyeon Cho (Chungnam National University, Korea)
• Jiansen He (Peking University, China)
• MinSup Hur (UNIST, Korea)
• Hantao Ji (PPPL, USA)
• Hyesung Kang (Pusan National University, Korea)
• Hui Li (LANA, USA)
• Siming Liu (Southwest Jiaotong University, China)
• Quanming Lu (University of Science and Technology of China)
• Ryoji Matsumoto (Chiba University, Japan)
• Kenichi Nagaoka (NIFS, Japan)
• Luciano Rezzolla (FIAS, Germany)
• Dongsu Ryu (UNIST, Korea)
• Yoichi Sakawa (Osaka University, Japan)
• Qingwen Wu (Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China)
• Jianfu Zhang (Xiangtan University, China)

Local Organizing Committee

• MinSup Hur (UNIST, Korea)
• Eunyu Lee (UNIST, Korea)
• Hyesung Kang (Pusan National University, Korea)
• Dongsu Ryu (UNIST, Korea)
• Jayoon Um (UNIST, Korea)