From climate resilience and biodiversity monitoring to innovation in sensors, platforms and analytics, Earth Observation (EO) is fast becoming one of the most important tools we have for understanding a changing planet—and for turning evidence into action. This September, the UK EO community will have a dedicated national meeting point as the UK Earth Observation Conference 2026 (#UKEO2026) comes to the University of Warwick from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 September 2026.

Organised by the National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO), the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI) and the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc), the conference is designed to connect research, industry, public sector users and policymakers—showcasing the latest science and applications while creating space for collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

What to expect over three days

UKEO 2026 will span the full breadth of EO—from instrument and platform technology development, through calibration/validation and data analysis, to knowledge extraction and policy engagement. Across keynote talks, presentations, posters and workshops, attendees can expect a mix of technical depth and practical insight, with plenty of opportunities to share lessons learned and explore what’s next.

The conference themes include:

• Earth System Processes
• Climate, Weather and Global Cycles
• Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biomass
• Risk, Resilience and Hazards
• Sustainability, Society and Policy
• Beyond Earth and Space Systems

Who should attend—and why UKEO matters

UKEO 2026 is built for the whole EO ecosystem: researchers and practitioners, commercial EO organisations, public sector users of EO data, early‑career researchers and students, and international collaborators. If your work touches satellites, airborne or in situ observations; geospatial data; modelling; AI-enabled analytics; or the translation of evidence into services and policy, UKEO is an efficient way to get up to speed on current priorities—and to meet the people shaping them.

• Share and discover the latest EO research, methods and applications.
• Connect with partners across academia, industry and government.
• Explore impact—how EO supports decision-making across environment, resilience and public services.
• Spot emerging directions in sensors, platforms, downstream products and space systems.

Highlights to look out for

Alongside the technical programme, UKEO 2026 places strong emphasis on community-building. Expect dedicated networking opportunities throughout the three days, plus an exhibition space for organisations to showcase capabilities, tools, services and opportunities for collaboration.

The UKEO 2026 Awards will celebrate excellence and impact across the UK EO community, with award presentations scheduled for the Conference Gala Dinner on Wednesday 16 September.

Practical details

• When: Tuesday 15 – Thursday 17 September 2026
• Where: University of Warwick
• Register: Registration information is available via the official #UKEO2026 website.
• Awards: Nominations are open until 1 June 2026; awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner on 16 September.
• Exhibition & sponsorship: Opportunities are available for organisations looking to connect with the UK EO community.

Whether you’re developing next-generation instruments, building analytics workflows, delivering EO-enabled services, or using EO evidence to shape policy, UKEO 2026 is a chance to step back from the day-to-day and engage with the wider community. Save the date, consider submitting an abstract or proposing a workshop, and join the conversation at Warwick this September.