Sydney to host world’s leading telescope technology conference in major space sector win
Sydney will host the world’s leading telescope technology conference for the first time, bringing around 2,000 scientists, engineers and space industry leaders to the city in 2030 in a major boost for Australia’s growing astronomy, space and advanced technology sectors.
The SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation symposium is expected to deliver an estimated $14 million to the NSW economy and put Sydney at the centre of global efforts to design and build the next generation of ground, airborne and space-based observatories.
Held every two years, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation brings together the researchers, engineers, observatory leaders and technology companies developing the instruments that help scientists see deeper into the universe. The 2030 event will give Australian researchers, universities and industry direct access to the global community shaping the future of astronomy.
The win builds on Sydney’s growing reputation as a destination for major space and aviation events, following the city’s successful bids to host the International Astronautical Congress 2025 and the Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences 2026. It also aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which seeks to drive economic growth through high-value business events.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, said securing the event recognised Australia’s global standing in astronomy, instrumentation and space science.
“For thousands of years, humanity has looked to the night sky seeking answers to the biggest questions about our place in the universe,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“By hosting SPIE 2030 in Sydney, NSW will help bring together the scientists, engineers and innovators building the next generation of telescopes and instruments that are expanding the frontiers of human knowledge. This is a powerful endorsement of our state's world-class research capability and our growing role in the global space and astronomy sector.”
Sydney’s bid was supported by leaders across Australia’s astronomy and instrumentation sector, including CSIRO Space & Astronomy, Astronomy Australia Limited, and the Astralis Instrumentation Consortium, comprising the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, and Australian Astronomical Optics at Macquarie University, which hosts a purpose-built instrumentation facility and has more than 50 years’ experience building instruments for the world’s leading observatories.
Director of Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO), Macquarie University, Professor Richard McDermid, said hosting SPIE 2030 would build on the momentum created by Sydney’s role as host city for the International Astronautical Congress in 2025.
“Australia has a rich history of driving breakthroughs in astronomical research by developing innovative instrumentation,” Professor McDermid said. “Sydney is a hub of scientific innovation and technological advancement, with world-class research institutions, state-of-the-art facilities, and an extensive network of professionals dedicated to astronomy and instrumentation.”
BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe said the win was a strong endorsement of Sydney’s ability to attract strategic global events that deliver economic value and long-term impact for NSW.
“Securing SPIE 2030 is a tremendous vote of confidence in Sydney and in Australia’s world-leading astronomy and instrumentation community,” Ms Lampe said. “We are proud to have worked alongside the NSW Government, industry and academic partners to bring this prestigious event to Sydney for the very first time.”
Professor Richard McDermid spoke with 9 News about the pioneering astronomy research underway at Macquarie University. A leading advocate for the bid to host SPIE 2030 in Sydney, Professor McDermid highlighted the University's work to advance the optical systems used in some of the world’s most powerful telescopes, alongside the development of next-generation technologies that could significantly expand our understanding of the universe.
