There are three types of special sessions:

1. AP-S only (which requires papers to be submitted in the AP-S format)
2. URSI only (which requires papers to be submitted in the URSI format)
3. Joint AP-S/URSI (which allows papers to be submitted in either the AP-S or URSI format)

Questions about organizing special sessions for the conference should be submitted to Mauro Ettorre, Joel Johnson, and Saranraj Karuppuswami (specialsessions@2026.apsursi.org). Proposals should be submitted through this online form no later than Friday, 14 November 2025. Each proposal should include the title of the special session, a brief description of the topic, an indication of whether the proposed session is for AP-S, USNC-URSI, or is joint, and a justification for its designation as a special session. Special sessions will be selected and finalize by Friday, 12 December 2025. At that time, additional instructions will be provided to the organizers of the special sessions chosen for inclusion in the conference. The associated papers or abstracts will be due by the same date as regular papers.

NOTE: Special Sessions are meant to complement the regular sessions with their focus and content. Special Sessions may be focused on new research and technology directions; or they can be celebratory (e.g. memorial, anniversary); or dedicated to historical milestones/reviews.

Submission Instructions

Proposals should be submitted through the online form, below. Inquiries should be sent via e-mail to the Special Session Chairs Mauro Ettorre, Joel Johnson, and Saranraj Karuppuswami at specialsessions@2026.apsursi.org.