Himalayan School for Training in Astronomy Research (HiSTAR)

HiSTAR Summer School 2026 is a five-day astronomy training program designed to strengthen astronomy education and research capacity in the Himalayan and adjoining regions. The school combines lectures, hands-on sessions, project-based learning, and observational exposure to build practical research skills for early-career participants.

• Title: Himalayan School for Training in Astronomy Research (HiSTAR)
• Dates: June 8 to 12, 2026
• Nature: Astronomy summer school and regional training program
• Venues: Applied Science Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES (Dehradun) and Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences (DIBNS)
• Focus: Observational techniques, basic data analysis, and advanced machine learning applications

The program is specifically intended for early-career researchers and students aiming to build foundational skills in astronomy and astrophysics. Priority will be given to students from physics and astronomy backgrounds from the Himalayan region (Uttarakhand, J&K, Himachal, Ladakh) as well as neighboring northern states.

• Final year BSc students (in Physics, Applied Physics, Electronics, Astronomy, or Applied Mathematics)
• M.Sc. students (in Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Electronics, or Astronomy)
• B.E. or B.Tech. (final year) and M.E. or M.Tech. students in physics or computer science
• First-year University PhD. students

Accommodation

• Resource Persons: Guest house accommodation will be provided by the host institute (UPES).
• Outstation Students: Subsidized accommodation will be arranged at the DINBS Hostels for outstation participants.
• Local Transport: Dedicated bus travel will be provided daily between DINBS and UPES for all student participants.

Travel Support

• Travel allowances for outstation regional participants will be provided strictly as per IUCAA norms.
• Resource persons and faculty will be provided local transport for airport and train station pick up and drops.

• Laptops Required: The workshop includes intensive data mining and computational sessions. All selected participants are expected to bring their own personal laptops.
• Software Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Python is encouraged. Please ensure Python and related data science packages are installed prior to arrival.
• Certification: Full attendance across all 5 days is mandatory for successful completion and certificate distribution.

Participants are selected through an online registration form that includes a short statement of interest. Ensure you fill out all fields accurately to be considered for selection and potential travel support. Registration closes on May 10, 2026, and participant selection/confirmation will be shared by May 15, 2026.

UPES (University of Tomorrow)

UPES, established in 2003, is a leading multidisciplinary university in Dehradun known for strong academic and research programs. The university provides an active research environment and infrastructure for science and technology-focused events.

For HiSTAR 2026, UPES serves as the primary host venue at Bidholi Campus and supports lectures, discussions, and training sessions.

DIBNS (Dolphin PG Institute)

Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences (DIBNS), Dehradun, is a key collaborating institution for HiSTAR. DIBNS contributes to participant support, collaborative academic activities, and selected program sessions.

Dedicated transport between UPES and DIBNS is planned for participants during the summer school period.

• Campus Address: P.O. Bidholi Via Prem Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007.
• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is about 30 km from campus. Taxis and app-based cabs are available.
• By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is around 20 km from UPES. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available.
• By Road: Dehradun is well connected by buses from Delhi and nearby cities; local transport is available to campus.
• Local Guidance: Participants can contact organizers for route support from station/airport to venue.