A Conference Unlike any Other: The Physics & Astronomy Congress (SPSCon)

There’s a joy that comes from engaging with the stories of people you find interesting—how they got to where they are and what they do—as you learn from and relate to them. And as scientists, educators, researchers, physicists, astronomers, and astrophysicists, we’re all just grown kids wondering how and why the world, the universe, and nature work the way they do. This is why the Physics and Astronomy Congress is a sacred time for kindness and support to spread. It’s a time to bond with others, be inspired, and feel rejuvenated. No matter where attendees are in life, they can connect through their love of what makes nature and the universe tick.

The first time I heard about the 2022 congress, I thought it would be like any other conference. I didn’t believe I would be inspired by every speaker. But I was wrong. I was surprised to hear from many speakers with backgrounds similar to mine, as well as others with vastly different yet awe-inspiring experiences, all sharing an unmatched drive and love for physics and astronomy. I was motivated by discussions with undergraduate students from other schools. Connected by our mutual love of physics and astronomy, we shared ideas and backgrounds and exposed one another to the kinds of experiences we had at our own institutions.

At the time, I was president of my SPS chapter and attended the conference with my vice president and treasurer. None of us knew what to expect, but we all left feeling excited, motivated, inspired, and deeply grateful for the experience. We met scientists like NASA engineer Renee Horton, who had already inspired us online through talks, interviews, and articles, as well as old and new friends, career professionals, and professors from various schools. We explored graduate school booths that broadened our understanding of what it means to be a physicist and sparked our curiosity. I was amazed by the number of graduate students, professors, and other professionals who were there giving back—talking with us, genuinely wanting to learn about us, and offering valuable advice on how to navigate our journeys.

Back in our room after each day’s events, we said things like, “How can we bring this back to our SPS chapter?” and “I didn’t realize I had such an interest in physics education until now. I have to go back to the posters tomorrow,” and “Someone is doing medical physics—I need to talk to them!”

I’m excited to see both new and familiar faces at SPSCon 2025, as I’m attending and helping out as a graduate student; I’m already as energized and inspired as I was before.

The congress breaks barriers and helps unity and inspiration reach the next generation of physicists, astronomers, and astrophysicists. It encourages students to be themselves and professionals to give back in ways that are meaningful. This conference really is unlike any other, geared toward undergraduates who want to be supported and inspired and to learn more than what they’re exposed to at their schools. But it is also a time to connect, feel energized, and have fun with others interested in physics and astronomy. It’s a time to be connected by the curiosity we share.

I hope to see you there, and with your best dance moves. The 2025 Physics and Astronomy Congress is HERE!