25-27 June, 2025

A.N Bourns Science Building (ABB), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

This conference will honour the distinguished career of Ralph Pudritz, bringing together experts from around the world in the communities of star formation, planet formation, and astrobiology to celebrate his impact on these fields.

Ralph's pioneering work has shaped the direction of modern astrophysics and inspired generations of students and researchers. His innovative contributions —ranging from the role of magnetic fields in star formation, the dynamics of molecular clouds, the diversity of exoplanetary systems, and the chemical pathways leading to life— have left a profound mark on the scientific community.

His collaborations have fostered an environment of intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary engagement, linking fields like astrochemistry, planetary science, and biochemistry. This conference is not only a tribute to Ralph's remarkable career but also an opportunity to forge new collaborations that will further advance these vital areas of study.

Beyond his field-shaping scientific contributions, Ralph's mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young scientists, guiding them through the complexities of astrophysical research with his sharp insight and unwavering support. Ralph has instilled a spirit of inquiry and camaraderie that continues to thrive among his students, colleagues, and the wider astrophysical community.

This meeting is designed for researchers and highly qualified personnel in star formation, planetary formation, and astrobiology. It will feature talks focused on Ralph Pudritz's impact on these fields, alongside cutting-edge research and recent advances. Participants will consist of a diverse group of researchers (e.g., disciplines, career levels, locations) and will gain insights into the latest discoveries and methodologies, while engaging in discussions that bridge theory, observation, and experimentation. This conference will foster collaboration, enhance professional networks, and provide a unique opportunity to reflect on Ralph's contributions, benefiting all attendees by strengthening connections across these interdisciplinary areas.

The conference starts on Wednesday June 25th at 9:00 AM, and finishes on Friday June 27th at 4:00 PM, followed by a special social celebration on Friday evening.

Program Highlights:

• Invited speakers: Distinguished experts in star formation, planet formation and astrobiology

• Contributed talks: 30 oral presentations

• Daily schedule: Talks of mixed dicipline daily, not confined to strict sessions

• Hybrid format: Inclusive approach for online interaction

• Poster sessions: Interactive poster pop-up sessions

• Lunch: 80-minute lunch breaks with lunch provided

• Breaks: Multiple 30-minute coffee breaks each day

Special Events:

• Wednesday Evening: Banquet Dinner at The Diplomat in Hamilton (https://thediplomat.ca/)

• Friday Evening: End of conference social celebration (details coming soon)

• Chris McKee (UC Berkeley)

• Tom Ray (DIAS Dunsink Observatory)

• Jim Stone (Princeton University)

• Paul Higgs (McMaster University)

• Ryan Cloutier (McMaster University)

• More to come

• Early registration opens March 25, 2025 and closes May 16, 2025.

• Late registration opens May 17, 2025 and closes June 16, 2025. Late registrants will not have the option of purchasing a Banquet Dinner ticket.

• Abstract submission deadline for talks: May 16, 2025 (same as early registration).

• Abstract submission deadline for posters: June 16, 2025 (same as late registration).

The meeting will have a hybrid format, with both audience and speakers being able to join on-site at McMaster University, and online. Ralph's professional connections during his career have extended around the world, and this format ensures that there are no borders to joining this collaborative meeting. While we would all like to be with Ralph in Hamilton to celebrate this week, Ralph's influence has stretched around the globe and it is not always possible for everyone to be together physically. For those who cannot be with us in-person, we hope you will join us online.

• Rachid Ouyed, Chair (University of Calgary)

• Ben Pearce (Purdue University)

• René Heller (Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research)

• Elizabeth Tasker (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)

• Yasuhiro Hasegawa (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

• Rachel Pillsworth, Chair (McMaster University)

• Tamara Koletic (McMaster University)

• Jess Speedie (University of Victoria)

• Yasuhiro Hasegawa (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

To contact the SOC or LOC write to: ralposium2025@gmail.com

We, the organizers of RalPosium, are dedicated to making this meeting productive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, religion, ability status, physical appearance or educational background. We are committed to providing a harassment-free meeting for everyone attending. We expect attendees to:

• Behave professionally.

• Be kind to and respectful of each other.

• Retain from demeaning, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.

• Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

The members of the Local Organizing Committee and Science Organizing Committee are designated as the contact points for all matters related to this code.

Transportation to McMaster University

Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to McMaster:

• GO Bus: Route #40 from Terminal 1. Use the GO transit fare calculator for exact fares.

• GO Train:

  • UP Express train from Pearson to Union Station. CAD$12.35 one-way ticket, CAD$24.70 return ticket.

  • Lakeshore West (LW) GO train line from Union Station to West Harbour Station (Hamilton). CAD$13.60 one-way ticket.

• Pearson Airport Taxi: ~$130 from Pearson to Hamilton.

University of Guelph to McMaster:

• GO Bus: Route #17

University of Toronto/York University to McMaster:

• Take subway line 1 to Highway 407 stop

• GO Bus: Route #41 from Highway 407 Bus Terminal to McMaster

Western University to McMaster:

• Flixbus: Route #2702 from Downtown City Plaza

• Train:

  • Via Rail from London to Brantford

  • GO Bus Route #15 from Brantford to McMaster

University of Waterloo/Wilfrid Laurier University to McMaster:

• GO Bus: Route #17

Transportation within Hamilton

• Hamilton Street Railway (HSR): McMaster is well connected by many HSR bus routes that can get you to and from campus. More info here.

• Taxi Service: Hamilton Cab.

• Uber: Uber services are widely available.

On Campus at McMaster

A block of thirty (30) Single Suites has been set aside in Les Prince Hall for guests looking to stay on campus during the conference. Each Single Suite features 1 twin bed, a private washroom and includes bed linens, toiletries, and WIFI. These rooms are first-come-first-serve, and are intended for students and postdocs as a cheaper option. They can be booked on the Registration Form. More information on the rooms can be found here.

Hotels

Visitor's Inn

• CAD$123 per night

• 10 minute HSR bus ride or 30 minute walk to McMaster

• LOC choice for invited/keynote speakers

Hampton Inn

• CAD$170 per night

• 15 minute HSR bus ride or 45 minute walk to McMaster

Homewood Suites by Hilton

• CAD$170 per night

• 15 minute HSR bus ride to McMaster

Staybridge Suites Hamilton

• CAD$175 per night

• 15 minute HSR bus ride to McMaster

Sheraton Hamilton Hotel

• CAD$180 per night

• 20 minute HSR bus ride to McMaster