Join us when the WASP community come together for the most appreciated event of the year!
Welcome to the Winter Conference 2026!
Dates: January 13-15
Location: Conventum, Örebro
Conventum is located just across the park from the train station Örebro Södra. The facility consists of three linked buildings, Conference, Congress and Arena, and we will use all of them during different parts of the program. Details of where to be and when will be communicated as we approach the conference.
Questions? Please reach out to WASP Program Office.
Program overview
January 13
Pre-conference to welcome new PhD students and their supervisors.
PhD students who started in 2025 or will start in January 2026 and their supervisors are invited. Attendance is mandatory for PhD students and optional for supervisors. It is recommended if you are new as supervisor in WASP.
January 14-15
Main conference where the whole WASP community is invited.
This year we expect more than 600 people from the WASP community to join for program updates, research presentations, poster sessions and cluster meetings. There will also be awards and a ceremony for our 2025 graduates.
The main conference is mandatory for all PhD students and exceptions to attend must be approved by your supervisor.
Alumni of the year award
The Alumni of the Year Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of WASP graduates who have made a meaningful impact after completing their studies. Through this award, WASP aims to highlight alumni who contribute to society in innovative, influential, and inspiring ways—locally, nationally, or internationally.
Anyone can nominate a candidate, including current and former students, researchers, and collaborators. The winner will be announced and celebrated during the big dinner at the WASP Winter Conference.
Nomination Criteria
To be eligible for the award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- WASP Graduate
The nominee must have completed their PhD studies within the WASP program. - Post-graduation Achievement
The contribution or achievement being recognized must have occurred after the nominee completed their studies. - Impact
The nominee should have made a significant and positive impact in one or more of the following areas:- Scientific or technological advancement
- Industry or entrepreneurship
- Public engagement or outreach
- Policy or societal development
- Reach
The nominee’s work should demonstrate influence at a local, national, or international level. - Inspiration
The nominee should serve as a role model for current and future WASP students and researchers.
Nomination Process
To nominate a candidate, send an email to: wasp.event@partner.liu.se
Include the following:
- Name of the nominee
- A short motivation explaining why this person should be awarded WASP Alumni of the Year
Deadline for nominations: December 5, 2025
Best poster award
During the conference at least one poster presenter will recieve the Best poster award. More information about how to participate as contester is to be announced.
Best thesis of the year award
A Best Thesis of the Year Award will be granted to one PhD student.
The nomination and evaluation process will involve the WASP Research Management Group, the University Representative Group, and supervisors of eligible* PhDs. The winner is selected by the WASP International Scientific Advisory Board.
*Eligible PhDs include all WASP PhDs (funded and affiliated) that defended their thesis within the time frame 1/10 2024-30/9 2025.
