Axions in Seoul: Frontiers in Theory, Cosmology, and Experiment

27 Jul 2026, 08:00 → 30 Jul 2026, 19:00 Asia/Seoul

Department of Physics and Astronomy (Seoul National University)

Kiwoon Choi (IBS CTPU)

Axions in Seoul

Frontiers in Theory, Cosmology, and Experiment

27–30 July 2026 · Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

 

Overview

We are delighted to announce the workshop ”Axions in Seoul", to be held at Seoul National University from July 27 to 30, 2026. This focused meeting will bring together leading experts from around the world to explore the fast-moving frontiers of axion physics. The program will cover recent theoretical developments, astrophysical probes, the latest ideas and constraints on axion dark matter, and cutting-edge experimental searches. By fostering lively discussions and cross-disciplinary exchange, the workshop aims to highlight emerging opportunities, sharpen key questions, and build collaborations that drive future progress in the search for axions.                                                                                  
The scientific program will feature 10 overview talks on key subjects and 11 topical talks highlighting recent ideas and developments.                         
 

Announcements

Latest updates and practical information for participants and invited speakers (April 20)

Program. The scientific program is now available: View the full timetable.

Registration. Researchers and students interested in axion physics are warmly invited to register via Registration.

Invited speakers. Thank you for your prompt cooperation with the travel and accommodation arrangements.

Confirmed Invited Speakers

The scientific program features overview and topical talks across theory, cosmology, and experiment, followed by a special KimFest session on Thursday, July 30.

Overview Talks

• Tony Gherghetta (Minnesota Univ.)
• Sungwoo Hong (KAIST)
• Hyungjin Kim (IPhT)
• Luca Di Luzio (INFN, Padua)
• Matt Reece (Harvard Unv.)
• Xing Rong (USTC, Hefei)
• Giovanni Villadoro (ICTP, Trieste)
• SungWoo Youn (IBS DMAG)
• Robert Ziegler (KIT)
• Jure Zupan (Univ. of Cincinnati)

Topical Talks

• Jae Hyeok Chang (Seoul National Univ.)
• Gongjun Choi (Minnesota Univ.)
• Raymond Co (Indiana Univ.)
• Sang Hui Im (IBS CTPU-PTC)
• Mario Reig Lopez (CERN)
• Fabrizio Rompineve (IFAE, Barcelona)
• Hyeonseok Seong (HKUST)
• Chang Sub Shin (Chungnam National Univ.)
• Qiaoli Yang (Jinan Univ.) 
• Wen Yin (Tokyo Metropolitan Univ.)
• Seokhoon Yun (Kyungpook National Univ.)

Special Session: KimFest

On July 30 (Thu), KimFest will celebrate the 80th birthday of Prof. Jihn E. Kim and honor his pioneering contributions to axion physics, with invited guests including:

• Antonio Masiero (Univ. of Padova / INFN Padova)
• Hans P. Nilles (Univ. of Bonn)
• Stuart A. Raby (The Ohio State Univ.)
• Yannis K. Semertzidis (BNL / KAIST / IBS CAPP)

Organizers

• Won Sang Cho (IBS CTPU-PTC)
• Kiwoon Choi (IBS CTPU-PTC) (Chair)
• Eung Jin Chun (KIAS)
• Sungwoo Hong (KAIST)
• Kwang Sik Jeong (Pusan Nat'l Univ.)
• Hyung Do Kim (Seoul Nat'l Univ.)
• SungWoo Youn (IBS DMAG)

Hosted by  

  

   

Monday 27 July

08:00 → 09:10 Registration

09:10 → 09:30 Opening Remarks

Speaker: Kiwoon Choi (IBS CTPU-PTC)

09:30 → 11:10 S1

09:30 Axion Theory and Model Building

Speaker: Luca Di Luzio (INFN Padova)

10:20 Extra-Dimensional Axions

Speaker: Matt Reece (Harvard University)

11:10 → 11:40 Coffee Break

11:40 → 12:30 S2

11:40 Composite Axions

Speaker: Tony Gherghetta (University of Minnesota)

12:30 → 14:30 Lunch

14:30 → 16:00 S3

14:30 Axions and Generalized Symmetries

Speaker: Sungwoo Hong (KAIST)

15:20 Non-invertible Chiral Symmetry and Axions

Speaker: Gongjun Choi (University of Minnesota)

16:00 → 16:30 Break

16:30 → 17:50 S4

16:30 Testing the Heterotic String and F-Theory with Axions

Speaker: Mario Reig (CERN)

17:10 Axion Quality in Warped Extra-Dimension

Speaker: Chang Sub Shin (Institute for Basic Science)

17:50 → 19:00 Dinner

Tuesday 28 July

08:30 → 09:30 Morning Coffee

09:30 → 11:10 S5

09:30 Axion (Wave) Dark Matter

Speaker: Hyungjin Kim (Institute of Theoretical Physics, CEA-Saclay)

10:20 Post Inflationary Axion Cosmology

Speaker: Giovanni Villadoro (ICTP)

11:10 → 11:40 Coffee Break

11:40 → 12:30 S6

11:40 Astrophysical Probes of Axions

Speaker: Seokhoon Yun (Kyungpook National University)

12:30 → 14:30 Lunch

14:30 → 15:50 S7

14:30 Domain Walls and their GW Signatures

Speaker: Fabrizio Rompineve (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona & IFAE)

15:10 Axion Stars: Mass Functions, Constraints, and Signals

Speaker: Jae Hyeok Chang (Seoul National University)

15:50 → 16:20 Break

16:20 → 17:40 S8

16:20 Axion Rotation as the Icing on the Cosmic Cake

Speaker: Raymond Co (Indiana University)

17:00 Axion Superradiance in Neutron Stars and Stellar Medium Effect

Speaker: Hyeonseok Seong (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

17:40 → 19:00 Dinner

Wednesday 29 July

08:30 → 09:30 Morning Coffee

09:30 → 11:10 S9

09:30 Overview on Axion Search Experiments

Speaker: SungWoo Youn (Institute for Basic Science / Dark Matter Axion Group)

10:20 Axion Research (experiments) in China

Speaker: Xing Rong (Jhejiang University)

11:10 → 11:40 Coffee Break

11:40 → 12:30 S10

11:40 Flavor Phenomenology of Axions

Speaker: Robert Ziegler (KIT)

12:30 → 14:30 Lunch

14:30 → 16:00 S11

14:30 Collider Searches for Axions and ALPs

Speaker: Jure Zupan (University of Cincinnati)

15:20 TBA

Speaker: Wen Yin (Tokyo Metropolitan University)

16:00 → 16:30 Break

16:30 → 17:50 S12

16:30 Parametric Resonance Production of QCD Axion Dark Matter

Speaker: Qiaoli Yang (Jinan University)

17:10 TBA

Speaker: Sang Hui Im (Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe, Institute for Basic Science, Korea)

17:50 → 20:00 Banquet

Thursday 30 July

08:30 → 09:30 Morning Coffee

09:30 → 10:20 KimFest 1

09:30 TBA

Speaker: Yannis K. Semertizidis (KAIST)

10:20 → 10:50 Coffee Break

10:50 → 12:20 KimFest 2

10:50 TBA

Speaker: Hans P. Nilles (University of Bonn)

11:20 TBA

Speaker: Stuart A. Raby (The Ohio State University)

11:50 TBA

Speaker: Antonio Masiero (University of Padova / INFN Padova)

12:20 → 14:00 Conclusion & Lunch