São José dos Campos, Brazil; the world’s leading astronomers, researchers, and science communicators will gather at the BRICS Astronomy Meeting 2025, hosted by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in São José dos Campos from 13 - 17 October. This landmark conference, with the scientific theme ‘Multi-messenger and Multi-wavelength Transients’, will bring together the astronomy community, including researchers, outreach  professionals, educators, development practitioners, and policymakers from the BRICS countries; Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran , Egypt, Indonesia , UAE and Saudi Arabia to share the latest results and best practices and strengthen global collaboration in astronomy and space science.

The five-day program will feature a scientific workshop, science outreach activities, training on the Virtual Observatory, an institutional visit to the National Laboratory for Astrophysics (LNA), and the BRICS Astronomy Working Group meeting. To set the tone, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, will share a message to open the conference. Her address will emphasize Brazil’s commitment to fostering international scientific cooperation and innovation-driven growth. Key highlights include the Scientific Workshop on 13 - 14 October, which aims to strengthen collaborative initiatives and joint research among member states. The Virtual Astronomy Training session on 15 October will equip students and researchers with cutting-edge tools for analysing astronomical data, fostering capacity building among young scientists by exposing them to international best practices and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to collaborative projects within the BRICS network and beyond. On the same day, focal points and ministry representatives from the various member states will convene for the Working Group meeting, where resolutions will be drafted and the vision for deepening cooperation will be reinforced. As part of the Societal Benefit Programme, meaningful engagement with local communities will be a key focus. This will be achieved through the Public Outreach Activities from 13 - 15 October, which will bring astronomy to schools, teachers, and the general public through interactive exhibits, public talks, hands-on demonstrations, and educational events.

On 16 October, there will be a tour of the National Laboratory for Astrophysics (LNA) in Itajubá. The visit will include a showcase of the Instrumentation Laboratories at the LNA headquarters, as well as activities at the Pico dos Dias Observatory. Finally, on 17 October, the program will focus on Space Weather and Heliophysics, exploring the dynamic interactions between the Sun and the Earth’s environment. 

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the conference will offer hybrid participation, allowing registered attendees from around the world to join virtually. This approach ensures that students, researchers, and educators who cannot travel to Brazil can still engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and benefit from the knowledge shared.

This year’s gathering promises to be a pivotal moment for astronomy and BRICS collaboration, as partnerships with the new member states are strengthened, fostering long-term cooperation among BRICS nations and beyond. The meeting will also highlight key advancements in the flagship project, the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network, while sharing discoveries that continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge.

At the heart of this conference lies a shared goal: to advance humanity’s understanding of the universe and ensure that breakthroughs in astronomy benefit people everywhere.