The 3rd Asian Conference on Permafrost (ACOP 2026) will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 29 June to 2 July 2026, under the theme “Challenges Posed by Asian Permafrost Thaw to the Global Community”. This important gathering, held under the eternal blue sky of Mongolia, will bring together scientists and community leaders to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and discuss the global significance of Asian permafrost thaw under climate change. The conference is chaired by Dr. Avirmed Dashtseren (Mongolian Academy of Sciences), Dr. Sharkhuu Anarmaa (National University of Mongolia), and Dr. Guoyu Li (Chinese Academy of Sciences), and supported by an international advisory and scientific committee, including leaders from the International Permafrost Association and partner institutions across Asia, Europe, and North America. The scientific program will feature 17 thematic sessions covering the diverse dimensions of permafrost research. Highlights include sessions on Advances and Challenges in Permafrost Monitoring, Mapping, and Modeling, the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P), permafrost–ecosystem interactions, permafrost and climate change feedbacks, thaw-induced hazards, engineering implications, and innovative approaches to communicating permafrost science. Each session is convened by international experts, ensuring a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives. We invite you to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations by 30 November 2025. Abstracts should be no more than 500 words and must follow the official template. Submissions are limited to two per author and will be peer-reviewed for originality, relevance, and merit. The submission portal is available here: https://acop-register.vercel.app/.
Early career researchers will have an opportunity to connect with peers through a dedicated workshop and engage with seasoned researchers at networking receptions and sessions. The conference offers a chance to showcase your research and creativity through oral talks, posters, and FrostByte (a short, creative) presentations, with opportunities to compete for prestigious awards.
ACOP 2026 also offers unique opportunities to experience Mongolia’s landscapes, ecosystem-protected permafrost, and its features. The program includes a city tour featuring Mongolian traditional cultural exhibitions, as well as a local excursion near Ulaanbaatar, combined with cultural events, which will take place on 2 July. Pre- and post-conference field trips include the peatland-permafrost (25–27 June), forest/grassland/alpine permafrost and periglacial process features (3–8 July), and high mountain permafrost (3–7 July). Field trip registration is open until 30 November 2025.
Furthermore, the highlight of the nomadic culture – the Naadam Festival (10–13 July), a symbol of strength, resilience, endurance, and grace, will be held. Naadam is a living poem—a powerful tribute to the Nomads, who find strength in the land, grace in their movements, and an unbreakable spirit in the face of any challenge.
Participants are advised to prepare travel documents early. Mongolia offers visa-free entry to several countries, with details available at https://en.consul.mn/visa/c/83. For others, the official e-visa portal (https://evisa.mn/) provides a straightforward online application process. Official invitation letters will be issued upon registration to facilitate visa applications. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Please note the following key dates:
- Abstract submission deadline – December 31, 2025; (link)
- Acceptance Notification: January 31, 2026;
- Early Bird Registration: September 1 – Jan 31, 2026;
- Regular Registration: February 1 – April 30, 2026
- Travel grant application deadline – January 31, 2026;
- Conference dates – 29 June to 2 July 2026.
We warmly encourage session conveners to advertise their sessions widely and invite colleagues to participate. We look forward to welcoming you to Ulaanbaatar for ACOP 2026, a landmark event for the global permafrost community. Stay Connected: Visit our website for the latest updates: https://event.fourwaves.com/acop2026
Provided by Avirmed Dashtseren