Abstract Due Date: 3rd ACOP 2026

The 3rd Asian Conference on Permafrost (ACOP) 2026, hosted by Institute of Geography and Geoecology of Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Mongolian Permafrost Association, will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from June 28 to July 2, 2026.

The Asian continent, the largest in the world, contains the most extensive permafrost areas on the planet. These regions encompass various types of permafrost, including longitudinal, alpine, and plateau permafrost. However, due to ongoing global warming, permafrost across Asia is degrading at different rates, with the most pronounced changes occurring at the marginal zones. The thawing of permafrost presents serious challenges for the global community, including rising greenhouse gas emissions, shrinking surface water in arid zones, and severe impacts on infrastructure built on frozen ground.

ACOP 2026, under the theme “Challenges Posed by Asian Permafrost Thaw to the Global Community”, offers a vital platform for students, researchers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers to share knowledge, build partnerships, and further advance our understanding of permafrost and cold region environments.

ACOP 2026 aims to provide a premier interdisciplinary platform for international researchers, engineers, and practitioners to present and discuss the latest research findings, ideas, developments, and applications in all areas of permafrost science. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, scientific presentations, and hands-on workshops, participants will explore a wide range of topics including permafrost dynamics, climate-permafrost-ecosystem interactions, infrastructure resilience in permafrost regions, carbon feedbacks, and sustainable development in cold environments.

The program includes:

• Pre-conference workshops (PYRN and GTN-P) and registration on 28 June
• Four main conference days featuring opening and closing ceremonies, plenary/keynote lectures, thematic parallel sessions (Rooms A-D, Themes 1-4), poster sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities
• Field excursions on 1 July with local cultural events such as a city tour and performance at the National Theatre of Opera and Dance
• Pre- and post-conference trips, including the Khentii Mountains (3 days, 25-27 June), Khövsgöl and Khangai mountainous (6 days, 3-8 July), Altai Mountains (6 days, 3-8 July), and the Naadam Festival (10-13 July)

The event offers a unique opportunity for scientists, early-career researchers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and explore Mongolia’s rich natural and cultural heritage.