The ACME Hands-On Observational School in Optical Follow-Up of Transients

Asiago, Italy

12th-16th October 2026

This 5-day observational school aims to provide PhD students and early-career researchers with hands-on training in optical follow-up techniques for transient and multi-messenger astronomy. Hosted at the Asiago Observatory, the school will combine lectures with real telescope observations, offering practical experience in planning time-critical observations, operating instruments, and reducing imaging and spectroscopic data. By focusing on rapidly evolving transient phenomena, the school addresses the growing need for skilled observers in the era of wide-field, high-cadence surveys, while promoting equal access to observational training across institutions. 

The school will be held in person and is limited to 20 participants to ensure intensive interaction and direct experience at the telescope.

Registration is open until April 30, 2026. There is no registration fee, and limited funding is available. The school will cover local expenses, including lodging, local transportation, and some meals. 

The datailed programme will be published soon.

Please note that we are not collaborating with any specific companies to arrange accommodation. Participants should disregards any unsolicited emails offering hotel booking services realted to the school.

Invited speakers :

Marica Branchesi (Gran Sasso Science Institute, Italy)

Maria Grazia Bernardini (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy)

Gabriele Rodeghiero (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy)

Stefano Ciroi (University of Padua, Italy) 

Antonia Morales Garoffolo (University of Cádiz, Spain)

Andrea Reguitti (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy)

Ferdinando Patat (ESO)

Tutors:

Irene Salmaso (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy)

Giorgio Valerin (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy)

Vincenzo Petrecca (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy)

Luca Crepaldi (University of Padua, Italy)