The European Lunar Symposium (ELS) is the premier Moon-focussed meeting in Europe attracting experts from across the world to discuss the latest developments in science and exploration of the Moon. It is chaired by Professor Mahesh Anand from the Open University (OU) and is a partnership between NASA SSERVI and its European nodes. Previous editions of the Symposium were held at venues across Europe, including Berlin, London, Amsterdam and most recently in Padua. The OU in Scotland has successfully bid to bring the 12th edition of ELS to Dumfries and Galloway in June 2024!

You will be welcomed to the region with a civic reception from the local council on Sunday 16th of June, before all the delegates spend the week taking part in plenary sessions where they’ll showcase their latest lunar research. On Tuesday, you are invited to a formal dinner and ceilidh where you’ll get the opportunity to mix with your fellow delegates and friends of the Symposium. We’ll also give you opportunities to explore the region’s stunning history and natural beauty, guided by local experts.

As the seat of the Clan Armstrong, Dumfries and Galloway has a longstanding lunar connection. People lined the streets when Neil Armstrong spoke at Langholm Town Hall in 1972, and with this symposium we hope to bring that sense of wonder and excitement about the moon back to the region. As well as the plenary sessions of the symposium itself, we’ll be bringing a number of events – from industry roundtables to school careers events to arts workshops – aimed at inspiring the people of Dumfries and Galloway and leaving behind a new lunar legacy for this remarkable region!