2026 SCANZ conference
25-26 June (pre-conference event afternoon 24 June)
Ōtautahi Christchurch
The next SCANZ conference will be in Ōtautahi Christchurch, on the 25-26th June 2026, with a pre-conference event on the afternoon of 24 June.
We’re excited to share more details about our 2026 SCANZ conference - Aotearoa’s only dedicated event for science communications professionals, students, researchers, journalists, creatives and anyone passionate about connecting communities with science.
This year’s theme is Regeneration: building a science-informed future. We’ll explore how science communication can adapt and thrive through change - from shifts across the science sector and new technologies to climate and societal challenges - while celebrating the creativity and innovation happening right here in Aotearoa. Ōtautahi Christchurch, with its powerful story of rebuilding and renewal, is the perfect setting for these conversations.
The conference will be held at Haere-roa at the University of Canterbury, with 24 June dedicated to pre-conference activity and welcome event, followed by two full conference days on 25-26 June.
Call for submissions now open
We’re now welcoming proposals for talks, workshops, panels and lightening talks. Whether you’re an experienced presenter or completely new to speaking, we encourage you to apply.
We’re accepting applications through our website.
If you have questions or want help shaping an idea, please get in touch at hello@scanz.co.nz
Registration
Registrations will open soon - keep an eye on this page and social media for updates.
sponsorship opportunities
We’re currently seeking sponsors to help support our event. Financial or in-kind contributions (e.g. printing, conference material, travel bursaries, or simply help promoting our event) are all very welcome and appreciated!
If you or your organisation are interested in partnering with us, please email hello@scanz.co.nz and we’ll share our sponsorship pack.
Key dates
To help you plan, here are core dates for the 2026 conference:
Calls for submissions
Workshops & panels: 31 March
Talks & lightening talks: 14 April
Registration
Registration opens: 5 January
Early-bird deadline: 30 April
In-person registration closes: 14 June
Livestream registration remains open until the conference begins
Conference dates:
Pre-conference activity & welcome drinks: 24 June 2026
Conference Day 1: 25 June
Conference day 2: 26 June