Latin American Conference on
Astrophysics and Relativity

June 24-27, 2024
Bogotá, Colombia

TOPICS

The Latin American Conference on Astrophysics and Relativity (LACAR) aspires to be an ongoing series that fosters a dynamic nexus among researchers specializing in the theoretical dimensions of general relativity and those engaged in the modeling and observational study of astrophysical systems. This conference aims to rejuvenate and strengthen ties within the Latin American scientific community of physicists and astrophysicists while simultaneously extending its outreach to the global academic sphere.

LACAR is set to offer many stimulating scientific sessions designed to expand our collective comprehension of General Relativity and Astrophysics. It will comprehensively explore the latest advancements and subjects in these fields. The conference will feature keynote sessions complemented by oral and poster presentations, promising a rich intellectual exchange and advancement environment.

Relativistic Astrophysics
Gravitational Waves & Multi-Messenger Astronomy
Cosmology / Early Universe / Dark Energy / Dark Matter
General Topics in Gravitation and Astrophysics

RegistratiON

All presenters must register to attend. Meals are not included in the cost of registration.

Before 15 May 2024:
Faculty/Staff: 340,000 COP
Student: 200,000 COP

After 15 May 2024:
Faculty/Staff:  400,000 COP
Student: 240,000 COP

Conference Dinner:  80,000 COP

Please note that all prices are in Colombian Pesos (COP). Registration Form:

https://forms.gle/c5Tbx4EwY7jxpMKY6

You may make the payment either through PSE (for participants who have a Colombian bank account) or by using a credit card through Banco Davivienda (when paying, make sure it takes you to a webpage that starts like https://portalpagos.davivienda.com/). Please follow the instructions provided on the site to complete the payment process.

If you plan to attend the conference dinner, kindly ensure that you add the price to your registration fee.

To help us sponsor students for the conference, we invite participants to consider contributing an additional amount along with their registration fee. This extra amount will directly benefit student sponsorship and help us provide more opportunities for deserving students. Thank you for your support!

This conference is supported by:

Last updated:


04.15.2024


Confirmed Bridge Talk Speakers


"Bridge" talks are intended to provide a connection between the main topics of the conference and to fuel conversations during our conference.

Hsin-Yu Chen, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
Scott Hughes, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Daniela Huppenkothen, SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, The Netherlands
Cole Miller, University of Maryland at College Park, USA
Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
Nicolas Yunes, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, USA

Confirmed Invited Speakers


Cosimo Bambi, Fudan University, China
Leonardo Castañeda, Observatorio Astronómico Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
Rodrigo Nemmen, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
Lucia A. Perez, Flatiron Institute & Princeton University, USA
Claudio Ricci, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile
Diego Rubiera-Garcia, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Confirmed Review Lectures

Introduction lectures to:

The Detection and Modeling of Gravitational Waves: Cecilia Chirenti, Federal University of ABC Center for Mathematics, Brazil

Physics and Astrophysics of the compact objects: Andrea Santangelo, Eberhard-Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany

Measuring of the Spins of Black Holes with X-ray Observations: Jack Steiner, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA




PRogramme

Our full program schedule will be available later. Please check back for updates!

COMMITTEES

LOCAL

- Adriana Victoria Araujo Salcedo, Centro de Estudios Astrofísicos, Gimnasio Campestre

- Mario Armando Higuera-Garzón, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Eduard Larranaga, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Edwin Laverde, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Luis Nunez, Universidad Industrial de Santander

- David Vanegas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Santiago Vargas-Dominguez, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Daniel Rojas Paternina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

SCIENTIFIC

- Alexander Bonilla Rivera, Observatorio Nacional RJ, Brasil

- Alejandro Cárdenas-Avendaño, Princeton University, USA

- Daniel Castro, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA

- Lía Corrales, University of Michigan, USA

- Cristian Rodrigo Erices Osorio, Universidad Central de Chile, Chile

- Alexander Gallego Cadavid, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile

- Javier García, California Institute of Technology, USA

- Luz Ángela García, Universidad ECCI, Colombia

- Cecilia Garraffo, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA

- Erin Kara, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

- Juan Rafael Martínez Galarza, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA

- Rafael C. Nunes,  Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

- Hector Okada da Silva, Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute), Germany

- Andrés A. Plazas Malagón, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory & Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, USA

- Camilo Posada, Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic

- Milton Ruiz, Universitat de Valéncia, Spain

- Riccardo Sturani, UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista & ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research, Brazil

Colombia: A mosaic of diversity


Colombia, situated in the northwestern part of South America, is a country known for its geographical diversity, ranging from lush Amazon rainforests to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Boasting a unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences, Colombia is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its music, dance, and culinary traditions.

The warm hospitality of the Colombian people is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor. With a commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, Colombia has become a global leader in ecotourism, offering visitors a chance to explore its breathtaking landscapes responsibly.


Bogotá: A capital of contrasts

Nestled in the Andean region, Bogotá stands as a city of contrasts, where historic charm meets modern innovation. The historic La Candelaria neighborhood, with its colonial architecture and vibrant street art, provides a glimpse into the city's past. Meanwhile, the bustling financial district showcases the metropolis's forward-thinking and dynamic character. Bogotá is home to world-class museums, such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, showcasing the country's rich artistic heritage. The culinary scene in

Bogotá is equally diverse, with a myriad of restaurants offering traditional Colombian dishes and international cuisine.

For most of the vigilant and attentive tourists, this beautiful city is a safe place to visit. However, street crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching still occur in the city, as in any major city. In certain areas like Ciudad Bolivar, El Codito, Kennedy and Soacha, and Monserrate, be cautious of mugging and theft. It is recommended to limit your activities to daylight hours.

Bogotá has emerged as a popular tourist destination and is among the most visited Colombian cities. In light of this, the authorities are taking measures to enhance the safety and overall experience of tourists. For instance, police patrols are now conducted at night, and transportation facilities have been developed to ensure visitors can freely enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife and cultural offerings without any safety concerns.


Useful Information

To ensure a smooth arrival and enjoyable stay, we provide the following information on reaching the National University of Colombia from El Dorado International Airport and additional details for your convenience.

El Dorado International Airport:Upon landing at El Dorado International Airport (BOG), you will find it to be a well-equipped and modern facility. After clearing customs and collecting your baggage, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the terminals.

Transportation to the National University of Colombia: From the airport, you have several transportation options to reach the National University of Colombia:

Taxi: Taxis are safe and efficient. Ensure to use authorized taxi services available at designated stands.

Ride-Sharing: Apps like Uber, Cabify and Didi operate in Bogotá, providing convenient and often cost-effective transportation. Public Transport: TransMilenio, the city's rapid transit system of buses, is a reliable option. Take the M86 route towards Portal Norte and disembark at the Universidad Nacional station.

Currency Exchange: While major credit cards are widely accepted in Bogotá, having some local currency on hand is advisable for small purchases and local transportation. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and throughout the city.

Accommodations: If your accommodations are not near the university campus, we recommend coordinating with your hotel for transportation options to the conference venue.

Weather: In June, Bogotá experiences a mild and temperate climate, characterized by cool temperatures and occasional rainfall. The average high temperatures range from 14 to 19 degrees Celsius (57 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The city's altitude, at approximately 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level, contributes to the cooler climate. Visitors to Bogotá in July can expect refreshing breezes and are advised to pack layers, as weather conditions can change throughout the day. Despite the occasional rain showers, July generally offers a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the city's cultural attractions and attending events or conferences.

Visas and Embassies: Before embarking on a trip around Colombia and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals, the beauty of its landscapes and the vast cultural offerings of cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali or Barranquilla, it's important to consult the country's entry requirements first. For more information visit: https://colombia.travel/en/practical-information/visas-and-embassies.

CLICK ON THE MAP TO GO TO THE INTERACTIVE VERSION


Official Hotel Blocks

We have secured discounted lodging rates for LACAR 2024 attendees near the venue at the  Hyatt Place and Hilton Bogotá Corferias.

Hyatt Place:

Rest and recharge in our spacious guest rooms and enjoy the tranquil Quinta Paredes neighborhood. This hotel is a 15-minute drive from El Dorado International Airport and is equidistant from all of the city's tourism sites. Take in views of Bogota and the mountains from the terrace on the hotel’s 11th floor, work out in the 24-hour fitness center and fuel up with free breakfast before exploring Colombia’s capital.

Single Standard Room with King Size Bed (USD $80)
Superior Single Room with King Size bed (USD $100)
Superior Double Room with two double beds (USD $115)

The breakfast is included and additional taxes may apply. To get these discounted rates, reserve your room at the Hyatt's LACAR Meeting Housing page.

Hilton Bogotá Corferias:

We’re located within Corferias, Bogota's main business center, and are connected to Agora Bogota Convention Center. The Movistar Arena is 6 km from our hotel, and the airport is about 10 kilometers away. We offer a fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. Enjoy the BBQ at Oka Grill House, pizza at Bon Market and Bar, or the ambience of Four Eleven Bar.

1 King Bed (139 USD)
2 Queen Bed (139 USD)

The breakfast is included and additional taxes may apply. To get these discounted rates, reserve your room at the Hilton's LACAR Meeting Housing page.

Code of conduct

We aim to host a professional, inclusive, and welcoming meeting. Before registering you must read and agree to abide by the APS Meeting Code of Conduct (https://www.aps.org/meetings/policies/code-conduct.cfm). In addition, participants are also expected the adhere to the following guidelines at all times:

We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We expect our participants to behave professionally. Harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate at any time (including lunches and social events). Harassment includes verbal or physical abuse, offensive comments, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent.

Please be respectful at all times. We endeavour to provide a safe, comfortable and professional work environment. Participants should be courteous with the opinions of others and be mindful not to exclude anyone from discussions or work-related activities. In particular, participants should avoid making derogatory comments or jokes that may be damaging to the career prospects of others. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.

Attendees violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of the organisers.