Previewing the 2026 International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy

The International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy (ISMS) is an annual scientific conference held in Urbana-Champaign that serves as a primary hub for researchers across diverse scientific disciplines.^1,2 Scheduled for June 2026, the 79th meeting features an itinerary including plenary lectures, parallel oral sessions, and specialized mini-symposia focused on topics like computational spectroscopy and undergraduate research.^1,2 This conference bills itself as a perfect forum for mentorship, and it reinforces its core mission by intentionally maintaining low registration costs to encourage participation from graduate students and early-career scientists.^1,2

Beyond formal presentations, ISMS also facilitates professional networking through speed mentoring, themed receptions, and social mixers. Here’s what to know about the upcoming ISMS conference.

What is the International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy?

The International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy (ISMS) is considered a valuable annual meeting in its field. It is a highly interdisciplinary event that brings together experts to discuss a wide range of topics, including theory, experiment, gas-phase and condensed-phase studies, and various levels of resolution ranging from microwaves to gamma rays.¹ The symposium is known for its collegial and collaborative atmosphere, fostering interactions through both formal sessions and informal gatherings.¹

When and where will the 79th Symposium take place?

The 79th Symposium is scheduled for June 22–26, 2026, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.¹

Who are the featured plenary speakers for the 2026 event?

The plenary sessions will feature world leaders in the field, including:

• Asuka Fujii (Tohoku University, Japan)
• Juan Carlos López (University of Valladolid, Spain)
• Anne McCoy (University of Washington, USA)
• Konstantin Vodopyanov (University of Central Florida, USA)
• Linda Young (Argonne National Lab, USA)²

What are "Mini-Symposia," and which ones are planned for 2026?

Every year, the symposium organizes three mini-symposia focused on topics of special interest. For 2026, the topics are:

• Engaging undergraduates in spectroscopy research: This session highlights strategies for high-impact research involving undergraduate students.²
• Experimentally Inspired Computational Spectroscopy: This focuses on the synergy between high-level quantum chemistry and experimental spectra for small and moderate-sized molecules.²
• Probing Chemical Reactions with High-Resolution Spectroscopy: This symposium focuses on using spectroscopy as a tool to monitor chemical reactions, particularly those relevant to astrochemistry.²

Is this conference suitable for graduate and undergraduate students?

Absolutely. The symposium is designed to be accessible, with registration and housing costs kept low to allow entire research groups to attend. It is a tradition that many senior scientists in the field gave their very first conference presentation at this event due to its friendly and supportive audience.¹ The 2026 schedule even includes specific events like a Student/Sponsor Mixer and a mini-symposium dedicated to undergraduate research.^1,2

What awards are being presented in 2026?

Several prestigious awards will be recognized, including the Flygare, Hougen, Miller, Rao, and Snyder Awards. Specific 2026 winners include Milan Delor (Coblentz Award), Miguel Sanz-Novo (Miller Prize), and Zhou Lin and Minjung Son (Flygare Award Lectures).²

What does the social schedule look like?

Beyond the oral presentations and plenary sessions, the symposium features several networking events. Here’s a list of some of the main networking events for attendees:

• Picnic at sunset at Ikenberry Commons (Tuesday).
• LGBTQIA+ Reception (Wednesday).
• Women’s Networking Reception (Thursday).
• Faculty Reception and Speed Mentoring sessions.

How are the sessions structured?

The conference typically begins with a Plenary Session on Monday morning. Throughout the week, the schedule shifts into six parallel sessions of shorter oral presentations held in both the mornings and afternoons.^1,2 The meeting concludes with a final set of parallel sessions on Friday morning.

References

1. ISMS, Homepage. ISMS.Illinois.edu. Available at: https://isms.illinois.edu/ (accessed 2026-04-27).
2. ISMS, Plenary Speakers. ISMS.Illinois.edu. Available at: https://isms.illinois.edu/speakers.php (accessed 2026-04-27).