Rocky Worlds DDT Workshop
About Event
Location
Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
3700 San Martin Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
Contact Information
Description
Join us at STScI for the Rocky Worlds DDT Workshop Data Challenge Results & Rocky Worlds DDT Science, a community gathering focused on the science enabled by the Rocky Worlds Director’s Discretionary Time (DDT) program, with particular emphasis on its JWST/MIRI observations. The workshop will serve as the culmination of the Rocky Worlds DDT Data Challenge, bringing participants together to compare analysis methods and discuss the results and their scientific implications. A key component will be the unveiling of the underlying data-generating process, enabling a direct and meaningful comparison across approaches.
Beyond benchmarking methods, the workshop is designed to spark broader conversations about the scientific interpretation of Rocky Worlds DDT data: how to understand differences between analyses, what level of agreement is needed for robust conclusions, and what these results imply for our understanding of rocky exoplanets. In addition to sessions centered on the Data Challenge (including a hackathon-style component), the program will include contributed talks and posters showcasing Rocky Worlds–related science, from data analysis and modeling to predictions and follow-up efforts. The goal is to use the Data Challenge as a springboard for collaboration and to shape the next phase of Rocky Worlds science.
- To learn more about the Rocky Worlds Program, please visit us online: http://rockyworlds.stsci.edu/.
- You can also join the mailing list for all Rocky Worlds DDT related news.
Important Dates
| May 18 | Abstract Submissions Open |
| July 17 | Abstract Submissions Close |
| August 10 | Registration Opens |
| October 16 | Registration Closes |
Additional Event Information
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- Hannah Diamond-Lowe (STScI; Co-Chair)
- Néstor Espinoza (STScI; Co-Chair)
- Zach Berta-Thompson (University of Colorado)
- Lisa Dang (University of Waterloo)
- Elsa Ducrot (CEA)
- Renyu Hu (Penn State University)
- Jacob Lustig-Yaeger (JHU APL)
- Amélie Gressier (University of Montreal)
- Aishwarya Iyer (NASA Goddard)
- Ryan MacDonald (University of St Andrews)
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The abstract submission deadline is Friday, July 17.
- All abstracts will be reviewed by the Science Organizing Committee and individuals will be informed of acceptance in August.
- To submit an abstract, you must have a MyST account.
- If you already have one, please log into the Submission Portal to submit your abstract. The link will be posted here on the day submissions open.
- If you do not have one, you will need to create one. Please follow the instructions and note that it may take up to 24 hours to receive your email confirmation/next steps to open your account. Do not forget to check your spam folder.
Abstract Submission Process
- Review our How to Submit an Abstract document.
- Please submit your abstract for the workshop.
- The link may lead you to the JWST Help Desk.
- If you have a MyST account, click “Log In” and follow the prompts.
- If you do not have a MyST account, you will need to create one.
- Please use an email that you can access easily (note: it is very likely that this email confirmation may also go to your spam folder AND that it make take a few hours to come through).
- Follow the prompts to submit your abstract. Please be sure to use an email that you can access easily.
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Hotel room blocks have been secured at three local hotels, within government per diem rates.
Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the hotels. A shuttle schedule will be posted here as we get closer to the event.
The Study Hotel at Johns Hopkins
3215 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410–243–0030Room Rate: $150.00 plus applicable taxes and fees
Cut-off Date: Monday, October 12, 2026Inn at The Colonnade Baltimore
4 West University Parkway
Baltimore, MD 21218
410–235–5400Room Rate: $150.00 plus applicable taxes and fees
Cut-off Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026Delta Hotels Baltimore North
5100 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21210
410–532–6900Reference: M-WCRB33R
Room Rate: $150.00 plus applicable taxes and fees
Cut-off Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026 -
The Rocky Worlds DDT Workshop will offer an introductory school for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) on the morning of Monday, November 16, including hands-on activities focused on using data products delivered by the Core Implementation Team (CIT). If you are interested in attending this, please complete this application by July 17, 2026. Accepted applications will be notified in August 2026.
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Limited travel funding is available. Please use the Introductory School + Travel Funding Application to apply for the funding (please complete the applicable questions). This form is due by July 17, 2026. Accepted applications will be notified in August 2026.