Call for focus sessions NWO Physics
It is no longer possible to submit a suggestion for a focus session for NWO Physics 2027. The deadline for submitting a suggestion was 4 June 2027.
In a focus session, multiple invited speakers offer a cohesive overview of innovative and topical research on a focused (interdisciplinary) theme.
The focus session should not be too specialised, but at the same time it should not span an entire research field.
Format of the focus sessions
The focus sessions have a length of 1h15m. The traditional format is to divide this over 3-4 speakers, each of which get 18-25 minutes to speak (including questions), but it is up to you whether you want to stick to this format or not. It is possible to, instead of a talk, fill a timeslot with alternative content e.g. panel discussions, pitches or a “duo” presentation together with a company. There are two restrictions:
1) a minimum of three speakers and 2) a maximum of one international speaker with an affiliation outside the Netherlands. This restriction has been imposed to provide room for national scientists to present. For international focus session speakers, the traveling costs and conference fee will be reimbursed by NWO Physics (more details will follow later).
How to submit a focus session suggestion
To submit a focus session, fill out this online form before Thursday 4 June 2026, 15.00 CE(S)T. The submission consists of an abstract of your session and a short topic and career description of the speakers you intend to invite. In the attached PDF you can find the questions that are asked in the online submission form. We strongly suggest to take into account diversity of the speakers and initiators (e.g. career stage, gender, affiliation, national/international). You are also encouraged to involve early-career researchers, who are not part of your own research group, in your focus sessions.
Submitted focus sessions
The Programme Committee will assemble the focus session programme based on submitted suggestions. You will be informed mid-July if your session is selected. When your session is selected, you will be asked to organise and chair the session.
For more information please send an email to: physics@nwo.nl.