Conférence / séminaire
The Antarctic Futures Symposium (AAFS) is a high-level international forum bringing together leading scientists, industry representatives, policymakers and investors to shape the future of Antarctic research and innovation.
Hosted in Luxembourg on 23–24 April 2026 at the Chambre of Commerce in Kirchberg, the Symposium marks a decisive milestone in the development of the Andromeda Earth Observatory, the next flagship initiative of the International Polar Foundation (IPF). Over two days, participants will explore how frontier climate science, sustainable infrastructure and technological innovation can be integrated into a next-generation Antarctic research platform.
The programme includes plenary sessions, thematic working groups and contributions from members of the Science Advisory Committee, chaired by Prof. Eric Rignot (University of California Irvine). Topics range from climate science and Earth observation to energy autonomy, circular systems, mobility, space technologies and long-term financing models.
While the Symposium highlights Luxembourg’s and Belgium’s role in supporting sustainable infrastructure, advanced engineering, space technologies and climate innovation, it reflects above all the truly international nature of the Andromeda project. International scientists and leading research institutes from multiple countries are actively involved in shaping its scientific agenda. Major international companies — leaders in their respective fields — are contributing technological expertise and industrial know-how. Industry leaders, government representatives and scientists from various countries will address the audience, alongside experts from Luxembourg and Belgium who have already played a significant role in Antarctica, notably in the design, construction and operation of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station.
The Symposium is organised by the International Polar Foundation in collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), the House of Sustainability of the Chamber of Commerce
About the Andromeda Earth Observatory
The Andromeda Earth Observatory will be the station of the 22nd century ; a new-generation, zero-emission Antarctic research and technology platform designed with a long-term perspective at its core. The station is planned to be inaugurated during the 5th International Polar Year : 2033.
The project is structured around three integrated pillars:
- An Antarctic University Hub, welcoming participating universities and research institutes into a shared international infrastructure;
- A dedicated R&D Centre, enabling applied research, technology validation and industrial collaboration under extreme conditions;
- A Ground Station, supporting Earth observation, data acquisition and advanced communication infrastructures.
Together, these components form a coherent ecosystem combining science, engineering and data-driven innovation.
Beyond its scientific mission, Andromeda is conceived as a living laboratory for sustainable solutions. It will test renewable energy systems, closed-loop water and waste cycles, smart grids, advanced materials, autonomous systems and digital infrastructures.
Operated from a dedicated Luxembourg-based entity, Andromeda will build on the International Polar Foundation’s long-standing operational experience in Antarctica and its commitment to strengthening the links between science, industry, finance and public authorities.
About the International Polar Foundation (IPF)
Founded in Brussels in 2002 by Belgian engineer and polar explorer Alain Hubert, the International Polar Foundation (IPF) is a public utility foundation dedicated to advancing polar research, climate action and sustainable innovation.
IPF is the organisation behind Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, inaugurated in 2009 — the world’s first and still only zero-emission research station in Antarctica. For more than fifteen years, the station has demonstrated that climate-neutral infrastructure can operate reliably year-round in extreme polar conditions while supporting international scientific excellence and cooperation.
With Andromeda, IPF extends this proven experience into a broader international and technological ecosystem, bringing together universities, industrial partners, public authorities and investors to build a research platform designed for the decades ahead.
More information on the project: https://www.antarcticfutures.org