The Future of Science Fandom is Here

First Light Con will ‘boldly go’ where no fandom event has gone before — an immersive, multiday, inclusive experience for all ages. Our mission is to share the excitement of exploration and spark the joy of discovery for all participants.

Where Science and Fandom Come Alive

FirstLightCon will merge the excitement of Comic Con™ with the tantalizing insights of a scientific conference. Our programming will span a wide range of captivating topics, including astrophysics and the search for new worlds, astrobiology, groundbreaking biology and medical breakthroughs, the latest in earth science, and the future of human cognition and AI. We will also showcase the great achievements of engineering and the grand challenges of innovation, providing a space where curiosity is not just welcome, but celebrated.

  • Science Celebrity Guests: Featured speakers and panelists will include active researchers, science spokespeople, authors, humorists, educators, pop-culture celebrities, and visionaries.

  • Citizen Science Workshops: From variable star observers to ecosystem monitors, citizen scientists are essential to discovery. Representatives will help attendees go from science enthusiasts to contributing researchers.

  • Topical Sessions: First Light Con will welcome abstract submissions from researchers, science communicators, creators, and innovators across a wide range of fields. The review committees will select compelling topics and presenters, encouraging people at all levels of science literacy to contribute to the program.

  • Meet the Pros Party: An autograph party will allow attendees to interact with guests and science communicators, encouraging everyone to share the wonders of science.

  • Cosplay Contests: The best Einstein or Curie? Or mashups of the two? Let your imaginations run wild! We will encourage cosplay, a core aspect of fandom across genres that builds on-site engagement and removes barriers between celebrities and attendees.

  • ‘After Hours’ Socials and Community-Building Events: Fandom gatherings naturally spark clusters of conversation, spontaneous meetups, and late‑night hangouts — and FirstLightCon will be no exception. Attendees and presenters will find plenty of opportunities to connect throughout the weekend.

“First Light” is the moment when a new telescope or astrophysics instrument captures its first photons. This exemplifies engineering innovation enabling scientific discovery.