We are delighted to announce the venue and dates for the Annual Scientific Meeting 2026!
Duration: Three full days
Dates: Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 November 2026
Location: London, UK
Venue: Hilton London Wembley
Draft agenda: Download here
Registration and agenda feedback
Formal registration will open in June. As part of the registration process, you will be able to share feedback on the draft agenda and volunteer to speak, facilitate, and otherwise contribute. (Note: people who have attended our Communication Skills for Impact Workshop Series will be prioritised for speaking and facilitation roles; please see below.)
For active GACD projects
In the first instance, two people from each GACD project are invited to attend. At least one should be from a low/middle-income country or a member of an Indigenous community. We strongly encourage early-career researchers to attend.
In addition, a third delegate place is open to project teams who wish to bring a policymaker as part of their project representation. We will be encouraging participation of policymakers in the ASM.
Project teams should draw funds from their project budgets for travel and accommodation.
For completed GACD projects
Members of the GACD community whose projects have ended who wish to participate in the Annual Scientific Meeting are welcome to register at no cost; however, they must secure their own funding for travel and accommodation.
In September, we will review registrations and, pending numbers, will open registration to allow project teams to send more than two delegates.
For GACD-CONNECT alumni
Following the successful pilot in 2025, GACD-CONNECT alumni will be invited to apply to attend. Up to 10 alumni from GACD Schools and Masterclasses, who have no other connection with GACD, will be selected. Selected alumni must secure their own funding for travel and accommodation. More information will be published in June.
FAQs
Why London?
This choice reflects a Governance Board recommendation to rotate Annual Scientific Meeting locations across regions, with London serving as a regular anchor city every three years. Hosting the meeting in London also helps us manage costs by reducing staff travel requirements, while offering excellent value as a well‑connected global transport hub. In addition, London is a diverse and multicultural city that meets the full range of criteria we consider when selecting ASM venues, including safety, suitability of facilities, air quality, and being welcoming to LGBTQI+ communities.
Will I get any support with my visa application?
Yes. During registration, you can request a formal letter of support from GACD. This letter will confirm your invitation to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting and include the meeting dates, venue, and endorsement from GACD funding agencies.
Information on visa requirements for travel to the UK is available on the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances. Many international delegates attending academic meetings in the UK apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, but GACD is unable to provide immigration advice. You are responsible for confirming the appropriate visa for your situation and for making your own visa arrangements.
Do delegates have to stay at the Hilton London Wembley?
No. Delegates are welcome to stay at the Hilton London Wembley (and we will have codes to give you special rates); however, you are welcome to select accommodation that best suits your needs. There are plenty of nearby options.
Will there be a Knowledge Sharing Competition and Film Festival?
Yes 😊 The rules will be very similar to previous years with some minor updates. Full guidance will be published in June.
Other questions
For the full FAQs, please see the main Annual Scientific Meeting webpage.
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