ICTS

We are excited to announce the Fast Radio Transient Sky (FTSky) 2025 program, which will take place from October 6–17 on the dynamic ICTS campus in Bengaluru. FTSky program is a pioneering astrophysics meeting in India focused on the rapidly evolving field of fast radio transients.  The FTSky school activities (6-10 October)  are designed to train the next generation of time-domain astronomers, equipping them with all the necessary skills and knowledge to perform fast transient studies in multiple wavelengths, from radio to optical. The conference week (13-17 October) program provides a unique opportunity to discuss recent updates and results from all sources within the population of Fast Radio Transients in the Universe, with the aim of relating them to FRB progenitor theories and emission mechanisms.

The field of fast radio transients is advancing rapidly, driven by ongoing improvements in detection sensitivity, data processing techniques, and collaborative observation strategies across multiple wavelengths and messengers, all of which are enhancing our ability to uncover and investigate these mysterious cosmic phenomena. The FTSky program aims to develop a strong Fast Radio Transient community in India in collaboration with the SKA India Consortium (SKAIC).   The program also aims to build a robust fast radio transient community, aligning with global astronomical goals and fostering capacity building in AI-driven big data science. This event also offers a unique platform to engage with leading researchers, highlight technological advancements, and strengthen academia-industry partnerships in the field of astrophysics.

The primary scientific focus areas

We plan to cover all the fast radio transient populations, including sources at Galactic distances such as Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs), magnetars, giant pulses from pulsars, long-period pulsars, and long-period radio transients, as well as sources at cosmological distances, such as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).

1. Updates from Fast Transient surveys
2. Radio and multi-wavelength follow-ups of repeating FRBs
3. FRB progenitors and theoretical understanding
4. Host Galaxies for FRBs
5. FRB cosmology
6. Galactic Transients
7. Improvement of detection algorithms, AI designs

The pedagogic activities include learning single-pulse search techniques to uncover fast radio transients, modeling pulse profiles, and conducting polarimetric data analysis to study propagation effects and emission physics. Additionally, the school covers radio imaging techniques for localizing transient sources and optical follow-up studies of FRB host galaxies. During the school week, a dedicated AI Training Day is planned with experts from C-DAC under the National Supercomputing Mission. Additionally, to maximize the potential of the ongoing commensal GMRT survey (SPOTLIGHT) in probing fast transients, a special SPOTLIGHT Day is scheduled to gather community feedback and develop a roadmap for the upcoming year.

Limited travel funds are available solely for the pedagogical and key speakers. The school week is exclusively for in-person participation, whereas the conference week offers an option for online participation. In-person participation is limited to 100 attendees. For those unable to attend in person, presentations and talks will be recorded and uploaded on the ICTS YouTube channel.

Accommodation will be provided for outstation participants at our on campus guest house.

Eligibility: For the school week the preference will be given to the PhD students and postdoctoral fellows working in the field of fast transients. Experience with radio data analysis will be an added advantage. The conference week will primarily focus on providing a comprehensive update on the entire field through invited and contributory talks, along with discussion sessions.

ICTS is committed to building an environment that is inclusive, non discriminatory and welcoming of diverse individuals. We especially encourage the participation of women and other under-represented groups.