Latin American Conference on
Astrophysics and Relativity

June 24-27, 2024
Luis Ángel Arango Library/Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango
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

Registration is now closed. Thank You for an Amazing LACAR Conference!

Supported by:


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

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
Sergio Vallejo-Peña, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.

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

Awards

Best Oral Presentation:

First Place: Alejandra Rosselli-Calderon, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA.

Second Place: Rafael Mancini Santos, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, Brazil.

Best
Poster Presentation:

First Place: Cristhian David Martinez Duarte, Universidad del Valle, Colombia.

Second Place (ex aequo): Katerina Sophia Klos, University of St Andrews, Scotland & Pablo Martín Ruales Guerra, Universidad San Francisco de Quito Ecuador





PRogramme

3 Review Lectures (90')

6 Bridge Talks (30'+5')

7 Invited Talks (20'+5')

28 Contributed Talks (10'+2')

4 Public Events

Detailed schedule link.

COMMITTEES

LOCAL

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

- Ricardo Cano, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz

- Mario Armando Higuera-Garzón, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Eduard Larranaga, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Edwin Laverde, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Nataly Phawllyn Neira Parra, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz

- Luis Nunez, Universidad Industrial de Santander

- Blaymi Tatiana Romero Lopez, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz

- David Vanegas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Santiago Vargas-Dominguez (Chair), Universidad Nacional de Colombia

- Daniel Rojas Paternina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

SCIENTIFIC

- Alexander Bonilla Rivera, Observatorio Nacional RJ, Brasil

- Alejandro Cárdenas-Avendaño (Chair), 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.

The venue: Luis Ángel Arango Library

The Luis Angel Arango library is one of the most important settings where wonderful reading pieces and other cultural settings converge at the service of the citizens of Bogota. It is also considered the most important public library in the country and one of the most visited in the world. It is located in the town of La Candelaria, at the height of street 11 with avenue 4, in the heart of Bogota, and is the head of the Library Network of the Banco de la República, which includes twenty-two branches in different cities of Colombia. This important educational and cultural center was inaugurated on February 20, 1958, and its name was designated in honor of Luis Ángel Arango, General Manager of the Banco de la República between 1947 and 1957.


Useful Information

To ensure a smooth arrival and enjoyable stay, we provide the following information on reaching the venue and hotels 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.

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.

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.

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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.