Astronomers and AI Experts Unite at 2026 Cosmic Horizons Conference

By Brianne Angell · August 07, 2026

Left: Group photo of attendees at the 2026 Cosmic Horizons Conference in Charlottesville, VA. Right: Attendees look at research posters. Credit: NSF-Simons CosmicAI Institute

In June, NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI) brought together leading voices in astronomy and artificial intelligence (AI) for the 2026 Cosmic Horizons Conference. The three-day event, now in its second year, was hosted by the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) in Charlottesville, Virginia, from July 14-16, 2026.

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is part of the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI), a five-year program made possible by funding from the NSF and the Simons Foundation.

The 2026 Cosmic Horizons Conference explored recent advances at the intersection of astronomy and artificial intelligence – from improving the trustworthiness and interpretability of AI and machine learning (ML) methods to preparing for the big-data challenges of next-generation observatories. The 150+ attendees also examined AI’s growing role in proposal preparation, peer review, and paper writing.

Eric Murphy (Astronomer at NSF NRAO and CosmicAI Co-PI) spoke on how the conversations evolved from the first conference to the second, stating, “It has been incredibly satisfying to see how all of the various Astronomy-AI research areas have matured so quickly over the past year. We are clearly at a point where both the Astronomy and AI communities are able to more fluently communicate with each other to advance their work. I really can’t wait to see how much further things will have evolved at Cosmic Horizons 3.”

This story was originally shared by the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins. Read the full post here.

About CosmicAI

The NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins is a collaborative research initiative advancing both foundational AI developments and astrophysical research through the analysis and processing of large astronomical datasets. The institute combines expertise in astrophysics, computational science, and machine learning across multiple institutions to address the data challenges of next-generation observatories.

For more information on CosmicAI research, opportunities, events, and initiatives, visit cosmicai.org.

About NRAO
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.