The International Society for Military Sciences (ISMS) was established in October 2008 by eight defence academies to advance research and academic education in the military arts and sciences. The Society builds a network for the creation, exchange, and diffusion of knowledge across a broad range of fields — from war studies, military history, and technology to leadership, law and ethics, security policy, and defence economics.
The 2026 conference theme — Military Sciences in Action: From Operational Insights to Defence Innovation — reflects a core conviction of military science: that practical experience from operations is an indispensable driver of transformation. As contemporary conflicts generate new tactical realities, military sciences must bridge the gap between operational insight and actionable innovation, integrating rigorous analysis with cutting-edge research to enhance defence capabilities in an era of rapidly evolving threats.
The conference will explore how contemporary conflicts inform defence transformation across all fields of military scientific inquiry — from war studies illuminating evolving operational patterns, hybrid tactics, and multi-domain operations, to military history contextualising current battlefield dynamics. Further themes include how military technology adapts under combined kinetic and cyber pressures, how legal and ethical frameworks address rapid capability development, how lessons from the field are translated into education curricula, and how armed forces adapt to societal expectations during conflict.
We look forward to welcoming scholars, practitioners, and military professionals to what promises to be a stimulating exchange at the intersection of operational experience and defence innovation.
Outline Program
9 NOVEMBER Young Scholar Workshop • Meet & Greet
10 NOVEMBER Opening panel • Parallel sessions • Conference Dinner
11 NOVEMBER Parallel sessions • Closing panel
12 NOVEMBER Board meeting
Registration for the conference opens June 30 with Early Bird pricing available!
Welcome to Tartu: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
Tartu, Europe’s 2024 Capital of Culture, offers an inspiring setting for debating the future of military sciences. As the oldest city in the Baltics, Tartu has long been the intellectual heartbeat of Estonia and its undisputed hub for education. It is a city defined by the "Tartu Spirit"—a unique blend of historical wisdom and a restless drive for innovation—making it the ideal backdrop for a dynamic forum where operational experience meets cutting-edge research.
What makes Tartu truly exceptional is its standing as a bastion of professional military education (PME). The city proudly hosts two of the region's most significant institutions: the Estonian Military Academy and the Baltic Defence College. This concentrated expertise ensures that interdisciplinary conversations here are not just theoretical, but are grounded in a legacy of strategic excellence that shapes tomorrow’s defence solutions.
Often described as a "hidden gem," Tartu is a place many discover by chance, only to find themselves captivated by its charm and depth. While it may be our small hometown, it offers a wealth of experiences—from its neoclassical university architecture to its vibrant tech scene. We invite you to venture off the beaten path and join us in a city that serves as the gateway to discovering the rest of Estonia’s resilient and forward-thinking spirit.