About

Since its inception in 2023, this workshop has served as a key forum for advancing interdisciplinary research on clouds and aerosols across Earth and planetary environments. The upcoming edition in 2026 will continue this mission by convening leading experts, early-career scientists, and technologists to explore new developments in atmospheric modeling, laboratory experimentation, and remote-sensing and in-situ measurement techniques.

Building on the collaborative foundation established in previous years, the workshop will highlight emerging insights into cloud microphysics, aerosol dynamics, and their roles in shaping planetary atmospheres. Discussions will emphasize how tools and approaches from Earth science can inform planetary investigations and vice versa thereby strengthening the scientific connections between these communities. By integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies, the workshop aims to refine our understanding of cloud formation, aerosol evolution, and their broader implications for planetary climate, habitability, and atmospheric evolution across the solar system and beyond.

This workshop is by invitation only, to receive an invitation you must first contact the Workshop Team to describe your interest in this workshop:

Contact the EPCW Team

Goal/Objective

A central objective of the workshop is to continue strengthening the connections between Earth and Planetary scientists working on cloud and aerosol processes. Each year, the event provides a collaborative space where researchers from different disciplines can share expertise, exchange new ideas, and identify opportunities for joint projects. By bringing together communities that address similar atmospheric questions through different perspectives and techniques, the workshop supports the development of interdisciplinary partnerships that advance our collective understanding of clouds and aerosols.

Announcement

• Date: June 22-24, 2026
• Location: Caltech, Pasadena, California, USA
• PCARF Tour: June 25, 2026
• Open Registration: March 2, 2026
• Registration Fee: $100 in person, $50 remote
• Call for Abstracts: February 2, 2026
• Abstract Deadline: May 29, 2026
• Registration Cancellation deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026
• Early career researchers and students are encouraged to participate!

Workshop Agenda

Monday, 6/22/2026	Theme: Cloud Science Accomplishments and Future Direction
	Presentations/posters on: 1. Recent accomplishments in planetary cloud/aerosol investigations through modeling, remote observations, or experimental methods. 2. Expectations of future missions to Venus, Titan, Mars, Uranus that may include aerosol and cloud investigations, goals, and objectives.
8:00 AM	Interaction between virtual and in-person participants
8:45 AM	Welcome/Introduction
9:00 AM	Keynote Address
	Planetary Cloud/Aerosol Focus Talks
10:00 AM	Earth focus talks
11:30 AM	Lunch Break
12:30 PM	Venus focus talks
2:00 PM	Mars focus talks
3:30 PM	Afternoon Break
3:45 PM	Titan focus talks
4:15 PM	Gas Giants focus talks
4:45 PM	Exoplanet focus talks
6:30 PM	Early Career Mixer Event – Kings Row Pub, Old Town Pasadena

Tuesday, 6/23/2026	Theme: How to Achieve Progress in Cloud Science
	Presentations/posters on: 1. Developments in modeling techniques, instrumentation, laboratory investigations, or remote sensing techniques. 2. Needs for ground-based test facilities to support future planetary cloud/aerosol investigation related missions. Afternoon session: Discussion on how the PCARF can be used by the community to advance planetary cloud investigations.
8:00 AM	Interaction between virtual and in-person participants
8:15 AM	Remote poster participants – lightning talks (Prepare 2-3 slides about their posters to present online)
	Cloud / Aerosol Investigation Methods
9:00 AM	Remote Sensing
10:00 AM	In Situ Measurements
11:30 AM	Lunch Break
12:30 PM	Modeling
2:00 PM	Laboratory Investigations
3:00 PM	Afternoon Break
3:15 PM	PCARF Chamber – Update (In-person)
4:30 PM	Research proposal development guidelines Form collaboration groups
5:00 PM	Evening Poster Session
6:30 PM	Workshop Dinner at Athenaeum, Caltech

Wednesday, 6/23/2026	Theme: Path Forward Focus Groups
	Topics to be announced
8:00 AM	Interaction between virtual and in-person participants
8:15 AM	In-person poster participants – lightning talks (Prepare 2-3 slides about your poster to present online)
9:00 AM	Breakout Sessions for Path Forward
12:00 PM	Lunch Break
1:00 PM	Breakout session debriefs, Q&A
3:00 PM	Closing Remarks
3:15 PM	Caltech Aerosol Lab Tour