The 2026 Union College Mathematics Conference will take place Friday, September 18 — Sunday, September 20, 2026 on the historic campus of Union College in Schenectady, NY.
There will be parallel sessions in the following fields: algebraic topology, applied topology, computational mathematics, and differential geometry and geometric analysis. See below for descriptions of each session.
In addition to session talks, the following plenary speakers have accepted our invitation:
- Julie Blackwood (Williams College)
- Carina Curto (Brown University)
- Lan-Hsuan Huang (University of Connecticut)
- Doug Ravenel (University of Rochester)
Sessions and Organizers
● Algebraic Topology
The session on Algebraic Topology will showcase a wide range of work in algebraic topology. This includes, but is not limited to, homotopy theory, algebraic \(K\)-theory, and interactions between category theory and these fields. This session is part of the Upstate New York Topology Seminar.● Applied Topology
The Applied Topology session will feature talks on recent developments in the fields of applied topology and topological data analysis. We welcome talks on theoretical research as well as on computational methods and applications.● Computational Mathematics
The session on Computational Mathematics is part of the first annual Upstate New York Computational Mathematics Day.● Differential Geometry and Geometric Analysis
The session on Differential Geometry and Geometric Analysis will will consist of presentations in these areas. We welcome talks on topics including (but not limited to) mathematical general relativity, Kähler and Sasakian geometry, minimal surfaces, and geometric PDE.Registration
[Information about registration will be posted soon.]Schedule and Abstracts
If you are interested in giving a talk in one of the parallel sessions, please reach out to one of the session organizers. The organizers kindly request that speakers submit their talk title and abstract using this LaTeX template. Abstracts should be submitted by August 1.General Schedule
[General schedule to be posted soon.]Session Schedules
[Information to be posted later.]Accommodations and Local Information
Suggested Lodging: The following hotels are reasonably close to campus:
- DoubleTree by Hilton (< 15 minute walk, 0.7 mile)
100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady NY 12308
518-393-4141
- Hampton Inn (15-20 minute walk, 1.1 mile)
450 State St, Schenectady NY 12305
518-377-4500
- Courtyard by Marriott Schenectady at Mohawk Harbor (short drive, 1.8 miles)
240 Harborside Drive, Schenectady, NY, 12305
(518) 579-6620
- Hyatt House Schenectady/Mohawk Harbor (short drive, 1.8 miles)
121 Harborside Drive, Schenectady, NY, 12305
(518) 704-7281
Directions
Union College is centrally located in New York's Capital District about 10 miles from the Albany International Airport, easily accessible by train from NYC, and just 3 to 4 hours by car from NYC, Boston, and Montreal. Here is a campus map/directions webpage, which indicates several parking lots, accessible building entrances and more.
- By car:
From the north, south, and east: From New York State Thruway exit 24, take the Northway (I-87) north to exit 6 (marked "Route 7 west"). Follow Route 7 west for 6.5 miles and bear right onto Union Street. Continue on Union Street for 2.7 miles and make a sharp right at the stoplight onto Union Avenue. After about 1000 feet, turn left through the gate to enter Union's campus, onto Alexander Lane. Continue straight for parking on the right next to the softball field. (See the campus map for additional parking. Visitors may park in any lot.) Registration and the conference sessions are in Olin Rotunda, ISEC and Bailey Hall.
From the west: From Thruway exit 26, take I-890 east to exit 4 (Erie Boulevard). Follow Erie Boulevard north to Union Street (second light after the Amtrak station), turn right onto Union Street, and follow for one mile, and make a slight left at the stoplight onto Union Avenue. After about 1000 feet, turn left through the gate to enter Union's campus, onto Alexander Lane. Continue straight for parking on the right next to the softball field. (See the campus map for additional parking. Visitors may park in any lot.) Registration and the conference sessions are in Olin Rotunda, ISEC and Bailey Hall. - By air:
The Albany Airport is a 20 minute drive from campus and is served by most major airlines, including United, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest.
There is regular taxi service between the airport and Schenectady. Cabs are available outside the baggage claim area. Uber and Lyft are active in the Capital Region. - By train:
The Schenectady Amtrak station is a ten minute walk or short taxi ride from campus. The Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station is a 30 minute taxi ride from campus, but has more frequent service from NYC and points south than the Schenectady station.
Union College is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning, living, and working environment. To this end, Union will not tolerate sexual and related misconduct. Through the Union College Title IX Policy, the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Bias and Retaliation in Employment, and the applicable procedures, the College provides means to address bias, discrimination, harassment, and sexual and related misconduct, including gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. To make a report or learn more, please see our Title IX website.
Websites for the last several iterations of this conference can be found here: 2022; 2019; 2016; 2013; 2011; 2005; 2003.
