Fwd: Surveying the Universe in 4D: Beating Cosmic Variance with Wide-Field Slitless Spectroscopy from HST, JWST, Euclid, Roman, and Beyond
Daniel Rosa Gonzalez
From: Space Telescope Science Institute <stscig...@mystmail.stsci.edu>
Date: Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Subject: Surveying the Universe in 4D: Beating Cosmic Variance with Wide-Field Slitless Spectroscopy from HST, JWST, Euclid, Roman, and Beyond
To: Dr. Daniel Rosa-Gonzalez <dan...@inaoep.mx>
Surveying the Universe in 4D: Beating Cosmic Variance with Wide-Field Slitless Spectroscopy from HST, JWST, Euclid, Roman, and Beyond
Space Telescope Science Institute
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION OPEN
Abstract Deadline: May 25, 2026
Submit your abstracts here and visit the conference webpage for detailed instructions for submitting your abstract.
Massively multiplexed spectroscopy is now entering a new era, with both expanded deep and wide survey capabilities that enable an unbiased complement to targeted spectroscopic campaigns, all while mitigating cosmic variance. The elimination of selection effects and ability to carry out efficient surveys of statistical samples across large cosmic volumes provides critical context for more detailed, but sample-size limited analyses. Current and upcoming capabilities span a large parameter space: Wide-Field Slitless Spectroscopy (WFSS) with HST and JWST provides sensitive, spatially-resolved rest-frame optical and near-infrared coverage through the epoch of reionization over moderate areas. Additionally (as of Cycle 5), JWST also provides rest-frame mid-infrared WFSS up through cosmic noon with MIRI. These modes will address open questions in galaxy evolution through detailed study of rare populations and statistical samples. At the same time, missions like Euclid and soon Roman will provide integrated WFSS over thousands of square degrees, ensuring our galaxy studies are free from cosmic variance and expanding our diagnostic power to address large-scale structure formation and cosmology.
This workshop aims to facilitate maximizing the science return of current and future WFSS capabilities by uniting discussion in key science areas with that of practical considerations, including current challenges in WFSS calibration and analysis as well as tools available to the community. Through tutorials, demos, talks, posters, and discussions, we aim to address the following:
1. Current, upcoming, and future WFSS capabilities are poised to revolutionize our exploration of the universe. Where will the major paradigm shifts occur? What can we achieve now, what will soon become possible, and how should we approach the next generation of capabilities? Crucially, how does WFSS integrate into the broader landscape of astronomical tools? What collaborations with space- and ground-based observations are essential?
2. With current and upcoming facilities, WFSS will observe large statistical samples of galaxies with high spatial resolution; however, taking advantage of this capability is challenging. What are the high priority science cases for spatially-resolved WFSS and how do we address the challenge in reconstructing spatial information from slitless observations?
3. In the era of Euclid and Roman, how can statistical galaxy studies and large-scale structure science advance? What are the key priorities, expected challenges, and connections to cosmology? How do these surveys complement detailed, targeted observations with HST and JWST?
4. Time-domain astronomy is entering a new era with Rubin. What discoveries will large-scale time-domain surveys enable, from transients to AGN variability? What science is within reach now, what lies on the horizon, and how can we best connect Rubin’s capabilities with space-based WFSS observations to maximize scientific return?
This Workshop aims to explore these topics in the context of what we have and what we need in terms of WFSS capabilities, tools, and resources for the community.
Attendance and Call for Abstracts: This workshop will be in-person at the Space Telescope Science Institute (Muller Building, Bahcall Auditorium) in Baltimore, MD, USA. Limited virtual participation will be enabled via Webex and Slack. Abstract submissions for contributed talks and tutorials are invited from in-person participants. Poster submissions will be in a digital format and can be contributed by either in-person or virtual participants. Multiple submissions in different categories are welcome. We also invite submissions for review talks. All presentations are contributed.
We encourage participation from researchers at all levels of experience. Abstract selection will be anonymous; please do not include identifying information in your abstract.
Important dates
Apr 29, 2026 Abstract Submission Opens
May 25, 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline
June 1, 2026 Registration Opens
July 24, 2026 Registration Deadline
Aug 24 - 28, 2026 Surveying the Universe in 4D Workshop
CHAIRS and SOC (in alphabetical order)
STScI Chairs: Stacey Alberts, Gaël Noirot, Andreea Petric, Russell Ryan, Lou Strolger
SOC: Vicente Estrada Carpenter (Arizona State University), Pat Côté (National Research Council Canada), Arianna S. Long (University of Washington), Sangeeta Malhotra (NASA), Jasleen Matharu (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy), Vihang Mehta (Infrared Processing and Analysis Center), Nor Pirzkal (STScI), Barry Rothberg (US Naval Observatory), Tommaso Treu (University of California, Los Angeles), Vivian U (Infrared Processing and Analysis Center), Yun Wang (Infrared Processing and Analysis Center)
LOC (in alphabetical order)
Annie Giman (JHU), Sherita Hanna (STScI), Andreea Petric (STScI), Victory Ramnarine (STScI), Russell Ryan (STScI). Swetha Sankar (JHU), Shemiah Smith (STScI), Brittany Vanderhoof (STScI)
Please check our webpage for regular updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at Surveyingth...@stsci.edu.
We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore,
The Scientific Organizing Committee
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