Conference Tracks

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to the fundamental tools and methodologies that underpin all modern materials innovation. We explore the entire spectrum of techniques for understanding, predicting, and accelerating materials discovery, from visualizing atomic structure with advanced microscopy to simulating material behavior across scales and harnessing artificial intelligence to guide synthesis.
Description: As the foundational pillar of materials science, this WG bridges the physical sciences with computational and data disciplines. Our focus is on developing and applying cutting-edge methods to decode the intricate relationships between a material's structure, its processing history, and its final properties. Research here enables the rational design of next-generation materials, making this group indispensable for anyone seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible, from fundamental science to applied technology.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 1.1 Advanced Characterization: Microscopy & Spectroscopy (in-situ/operando TEM, Cryo-EM, AFM, APT, XPS, NanoSIMS); Diffraction & Scattering Techniques (X-ray, Neutron, Synchrotron)
• 1.2 Property Testing & Analysis: Mechanical, Functional, and Correlative Property Testing
• 1.3 Computational Modeling: Multiscale Modeling (ab initio, Molecular Dynamics, Phase-Field, Finite Element Analysis)
• 1.4 Data-Driven Science: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Materials Informatics; High-Throughput Computational and Experimental Workflows
• 1.5 Digital Tools: Digital Twins for Materials and Data Infrastructure

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to the advanced methods and technologies for synthesizing, shaping, joining, and scaling materials into functional components and systems. It focuses on developing efficient, scalable, and sustainable processes that transform scientific discovery into real-world innovation.
Description: Bridging the critical gap between laboratory innovation and industrial application, this WG sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical engineering, and digital fabrication. We explore the entire spectrum of modern manufacturing, from additive manufacturing of multi-material systems and atomic-scale surface engineering to sustainable process design and solid-state joining techniques. Research here is pivotal for translating novel materials into high-performance, reliable, and economically viable products, directly enabling technological progress across all industrial sectors.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 2.1 Additive & Digital Manufacturing: 3D Printing of Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, and Composites
• 2.2 Surface & Coating Technologies: Functional Coatings, Atomic-Layer Deposition, Surface Engineering and Modification
• 2.3 Advanced Processing Methods: Laser-Based, Electron Beam, and Plasma Processing; Powder Metallurgy; Colloidal Processing & Rheology
• 2.4 Forming & Joining: Casting, Welding, Solid-State Joining, and Bonding Technologies
• 2.5 Microstructure Engineering: Thermomechanical Processing, Severe Plastic Deformation, and Nanostructuring

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to the design, synthesis, and fundamental understanding of advanced materials, spanning from bulk structural components to atomically thin functional systems. It encompasses the study of their properties, performance, and degradation mechanisms to meet the demands of next-generation technologies.
Description: This WG represents the core of the materials community, exploring the vast landscape of substances that define modern technology. We delve into the design, synthesis, and fundamental properties of everything from ultra-strong high-entropy alloys and structural ceramics to smart, responsive polymers. A primary focus is on low-dimensional and nanostructured systems, including graphene, MXenes, MBenes, transition metal dichalcogenides, and other 2D derivatives, which exhibit extraordinary electronic, catalytic, and mechanical properties. This group fundamentally connects chemistry and physics with the pursuit of tailored functionalities for any application, driving innovation from the ground up.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 3.1 Low-Dimensional & Nanomaterials: Synthesis, properties, and assemblies of 2D Materials (Graphene, MXenes, MBenes, TMDs, h-BN), Quantum Dots, and Nanowires.
• 3.2 Porous & Framework Materials: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), Aerogels, and Nanocomposites.
• 3.3 Advanced Structural Materials: High-Entropy Alloys, Lightweight Alloys, High-Temperature Alloys, Structural Ceramics, and Composite Materials.
• 3.4 Smart & Functional Materials: Responsive Polymers, Soft Materials, and Functional Hybrid Systems.
• 3.5 Durability & Degradation Science: Fatigue, Wear, Corrosion, and Hydrogen Embrittlement.

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to the discovery, development, and understanding of materials that enable the generation, storage, conversion, and management of energy. It focuses on innovative solutions to advance renewable energy technologies and improve energy efficiency.
Description: The transition to a sustainable energy future is fundamentally a materials challenge. This WG unites chemists, physicists, and engineers to tackle the intricate scientific problems at the heart of energy technologies. We explore the electrochemistry of next-generation solid-state batteries, the photon management in perovskite and organic photovoltaics, the robust materials required for fusion reactors and water electrolyzers, and the fundamental mechanisms in thermal energy harvesting. This is where foundational materials science directly powers technological innovation in one of society's most critical domains, creating the materials backbone for a decarbonized world.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 4.1 Energy Storage: Batteries (Solid-state, Li-ion, Post-Li, Na-ion), Supercapacitors, Fuel Cells, and Thermal Energy Storage Materials
• 4.2 Energy Conversion: Photovoltaics (Perovskite, Organic, Tandem), Thermoelectrics, Piezoelectrics, and Hydrogen Production Technologies (Electrolysis, Photocatalysis)
• 4.3 Energy Utilization: Catalysis (Electrocatalysis, Photocatalysis), and Materials for Advanced Nuclear Systems (Fission & Fusion)
• 4.4 Thermal Management: Materials for Heat Dissipation, Insulation, and Direct Thermal Energy Harvesting

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to the design, engineering, and application of advanced materials that interact with biological systems. It focuses on creating solutions for medical therapy, diagnostics, and health monitoring by leveraging synthetic materials and principles inspired by nature.
Description: Life provides the ultimate blueprint for advanced materials design. This WG operates at the vital intersection of materials science, biology, and clinical medicine, creating the next generation of medical technologies. We develop polymers that mimic natural tissues, bioresorbable metals that provide temporary support, and ceramics that integrate with living bone. By drawing inspiration from biological structures and functions, we engineer smart, responsive systems for targeted drug delivery, precise biosensing, and functional tissue regeneration. Our goal is to create materials that actively heal, restore, and enhance human health, translating laboratory innovation into clinical impact.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 5.1 Advanced Biofabrication: 3D Bioprinting, Tissue Engineering, and Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies
• 5.2 Smart Biomaterials: Bioresponsive Systems, Stimuli-Responsive Materials, and Controlled Drug Delivery Platforms
• 5.3 Structural Biomaterials: Polymeric Biomaterials, Bioceramics, Bioglasses, and Hydrogels for Medical Applications
• 5.4 Metallic Implants: Permanent and Bioresorbable Metals (Mg, Fe, Zn) for Orthopedic and Cardiovascular Applications
• 5.5 Bioelectronic Interfaces: Bioelectronics, Biosensors, and Implantable Medical Devices
• 5.6 Clinical Translation: Biomaterials for Infection Control, Immuno-engineering, and Regulatory Science

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to the research, development, and implementation of advanced materials for the built environment. It focuses on enhancing the durability, sustainability, resilience, and intelligence of construction materials and infrastructure systems.
Description: The safety, longevity, and environmental impact of our civilization are fundamentally defined by its built environment. This WG bridges the critical gap between advanced materials science and practical civil engineering, creating the next generation of construction technologies. We develop self-healing concrete that extends structural life, low-carbon cementitious systems that reduce environmental footprint, corrosion-resistant alloys for enhanced durability, and smart composites with integrated sensing capabilities. Our research is dedicated to creating a safer, more resilient, and digitally integrated built environment that can withstand the challenges of the coming centuries, from environmental stresses to increasing operational demands.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 6.1 Advanced Cementitious Materials: Self-healing Concrete, Low-carbon Cements, Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), and Fiber-Reinforced Composites
• 6.2 Durable Construction Systems: Corrosion-Resistant Alloys, Advanced Protective Coatings, and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites
• 6.3 Sustainable Geomaterials: Geopolymers, Smart Soils, and Soil Stabilization Technologies
• 6.4 Green Infrastructure Solutions: Recycled Aggregates, Phase-Change Materials for Thermal Regulation, and Photocatalytic Air-Purifying Materials
• 6.5 Intelligent Monitoring Technologies: Sensor-Embedded Materials, Smart Coatings for Damage Detection, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods

Scope: This Working Group is dedicated to materials-based solutions for environmental protection, resource conservation, and circular economy. It focuses on advanced materials and technologies for water purification, pollution control, carbon management, and sustainable materials lifecycles.
Description: The environmental impact of materials represents the ultimate benchmark for 21st-century materials science. This multidisciplinary WG addresses the complete materials lifecycle, developing solutions for our most pressing planetary challenges. We pioneer advanced materials and catalytic systems for water purification and wastewater treatment, create novel sorbents and membranes for carbon capture, and develop efficient recycling technologies for critical materials. Our research bridges materials science with environmental engineering, economics, and policy, ensuring that technological innovation aligns with the goals of environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Key Topics (Tracks):

• 7.1 Water Purification & Treatment: Advanced materials for water remediation, catalytic water treatment, desalination membranes, and emerging contaminant removal
• 7.2 Air & Soil Remediation: Materials for atmospheric pollution control, soil decontamination, and catalytic converters
• 7.3 Carbon Capture & Management: Novel sorbents, membranes, and mineralization materials for CO₂ capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)
• 7.4 Circular Economy & Recycling: Technologies for recycling critical raw materials, batteries, e-waste, plastics, and composites
• 7.5 Sustainable Materials Design: Bio-based materials, agro-waste valorization, green processing, and eco-design principles
• 7.6 Sustainability Assessment: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis, and policy development for materials