F8) Advanced Fibers and Textile Materials
Chair(s): Dalton Tay Chor Yong (NTU), Ronghui Wu (NTU) Co-Chair(s): Kun Zhang (Donghua University, China), Mutsumi Kimura (Shinshu University, Japan), Jose Gabriel Martinez Gil (Linkoping University, Sweden), Christopher Hurren (Deakin University, Australia) Symposium Scope/Topics This symposium focuses on recent advances in fiber and textile materials spanning fundamental materials science, processing technologies, and emerging applications. The session aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working across chemistry, materials engineering, and applied sciences to share innovations that enable next-generation textile systems for sustainability, healthcare, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. This symposium is envisioned to provide a platform for interdisciplinary exchange on how advanced fiber materials can support future circular and high-performance material ecosystems. Topics include (but are not limited to): Natural and synthetic fibers Non-woven applications Bio-derived and recycled materials Fiber chemistry and functionalization structure–property relationships Advanced manufacturing and finishing Smart and responsive textiles Circular materials strategies Invited Speakers Coming soon This symposium focuses on recent advances in fiber and textile materials spanning fundamental materials science, processing technologies, and emerging applications. The session aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working across chemistry, materials engineering, and applied sciences to share innovations that enable next-generation textile systems for sustainability, healthcare, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. This symposium is envisioned to provide a platform for interdisciplinary exchange on how advanced fiber materials can support future circular and high-performance material ecosystems. Topics include (but are not limited to): Natural and synthetic fibers Non-woven applications Bio-derived and recycled materials Fiber chemistry and functionalization structure–property relationships Advanced manufacturing and finishing Smart and responsive textiles Circular materials strategies Coming soon
I6) Advanced Fibers and Textile Materials
Chair(s): Dalton Tay Chor Yong (NTU), Ronghui Wu (NTU) Symposium Scope/Topics This symposium focuses on recent advances in fiber and textile materials spanning fundamental materials science, processing technologies, and emerging applications. The session aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working across chemistry, materials engineering, and applied sciences to share innovations that enable next-generation textile systems for sustainability, healthcare, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. This symposium is envisioned to provide a platform for interdisciplinary exchange on how advanced fiber materials can support future circular and high-performance material ecosystems. Topics include (but are not limited to): Natural and synthetic fibers Non-woven applications Bio-derived and recycled materials Fiber chemistry and functionalization structure–property relationships Advanced manufacturing and finishing Smart and responsive textiles Circular materials strategies Invited Speakers To be confirmed This symposium focuses on recent advances in fiber and textile materials spanning fundamental materials science, processing technologies, and emerging applications. The session aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working across chemistry, materials engineering, and applied sciences to share innovations that enable next-generation textile systems for sustainability, healthcare, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. This symposium is envisioned to provide a platform for interdisciplinary exchange on how advanced fiber materials can support future circular and high-performance material ecosystems. Topics include (but are not limited to): Natural and synthetic fibers Non-woven applications Bio-derived and recycled materials Fiber chemistry and functionalization structure–property relationships Advanced manufacturing and finishing Smart and responsive textiles Circular materials strategies To be confirmed
I5) AI-Accelerated Materials Discovery: From Atomistic Design to Autonomous Manufacturing
Chair(s): Peichen Zhong (NUS), Kai Guo (A*STAR) Co-Chair(s): Chenru Duan (Deep Principles, Inc., China) Symposium Scope/Topics This symposium convenes researchers at the forefront of computational materials science to explore the convergence of artificial intelligence, generative modeling, and laboratory automation. While rooted in advances in atomistic simulations and machine learning potentials, this scope expands to encompass the entire materials lifecycle. We will examine how agentic AI and autonomous workflows are transcending traditional scale barriers, accelerating discovery not only in chemical synthesis but also in mechanical property optimization, processing, and manufacturing. By bridging the gap between theoretical generative design and practical real-world application, this forum aims to define the next generation of closed-loop, AI-driven materials science. Generative & Agentic AI: Development of generative models (VAEs, diffusion, flow-based), scientific LLMs, and multi-agent systems for materials design. Atomistic to Mesoscale Simulation: Machine learning interatomic potentials and statistical mechanical modeling for high-accuracy, large-scale simulations. Domain-Specific Acceleration: AI applications in optimizing mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties across diverse material classes (e.g., polymers, alloys, biomaterials). AI in Manufacturing & Processing: Integrating machine learning into process optimization, quality control, and scalable manufacturing workflows. Autonomous Experimentation: Self-driving laboratories, synthesizability prediction, and automated synthesis planning. Data & Benchmarking: Novel datasets, standardized benchmarks, and integration frameworks for closed-loop discovery. Invited Speakers To be confirmed This symposium convenes researchers at the forefront of computational materials science to explore the convergence of artificial intelligence, generative modeling, and laboratory automation. While rooted in advances in atomistic simulations and machine learning potentials, this scope expands to encompass the entire materials lifecycle. We will examine how agentic AI and autonomous workflows are transcending traditional scale barriers, accelerating discovery not only in chemical synthesis but also in mechanical property optimization, processing, and manufacturing. By bridging the gap between theoretical generative design and practical real-world application, this forum aims to define the next generation of closed-loop, AI-driven materials science. Generative & Agentic AI: Development of generative models (VAEs, diffusion, flow-based), scientific LLMs, and multi-agent systems for materials design. Atomistic to Mesoscale Simulation: Machine learning interatomic potentials and statistical mechanical modeling for high-accuracy, large-scale simulations. Domain-Specific Acceleration: AI applications in optimizing mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties across diverse material classes (e.g., polymers, alloys, biomaterials). AI in Manufacturing & Processing: Integrating machine learning into process optimization, quality control, and scalable manufacturing workflows. Autonomous Experimentation: Self-driving laboratories, synthesizability prediction, and automated synthesis planning. Data & Benchmarking: Novel datasets, standardized benchmarks, and integration frameworks for closed-loop discovery. To be confirmed
I4) Molecular and Ionic Transport in Nanoconfined Channels: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications
Chair(s): Sui Zhang (NUS), Jie Shen (NTU) Co-Chair(s): Rakesh Joshi (UNSW, Australia), Luda Wang (Peking University, China) Symposium Scope/Topics The study and control of fluids, pores, and channels at the nano- and sub-nanoscale has become a critical interdisciplinary research frontier with wide-ranging applications in energy, catalysis, healthcare, materials science, and environmental sustainability. This symposium aims to promote collaboration and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas by bringing together researchers working at the intersection of nanofluidics, materials design, and membrane science. Participants will have the opportunity to present their latest research and build valuable connections across disciplines. Key Topics: Fundamentals of nanofluidic transport in pores and channels Lithium and proton separation for power Nanofluidic sensing, sequencing, and single-molecule detection Ionic circuits and nanofluidic systems for information processing Carbon capture and selective gas separations Organic molecule separation and purification Ion-selective transport for catalysis and electrochemical energy systems Advanced nanomaterials for membranes and separation technologies Theoretical and computational modeling of nanofluidic phenomena Scalable fabrication methods for nanostructured membranes Invited Speakers To be confirmed The study and control of fluids, pores, and channels at the nano- and sub-nanoscale has become a critical interdisciplinary research frontier with wide-ranging applications in energy, catalysis, healthcare, materials science, and environmental sustainability. This symposium aims to promote collaboration and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas by bringing together researchers working at the intersection of nanofluidics, materials design, and membrane science. Participants will have the opportunity to present their latest research and build valuable connections across disciplines. Key Topics: Fundamentals of nanofluidic transport in pores and channels Lithium and proton separation for power Nanofluidic sensing, sequencing, and single-molecule detection Ionic circuits and nanofluidic systems for information processing Carbon capture and selective gas separations Organic molecule separation and purification Ion-selective transport for catalysis and electrochemical energy systems Advanced nanomaterials for membranes and separation technologies Theoretical and computational modeling of nanofluidic phenomena Scalable fabrication methods for nanostructured membranes To be confirmed
I3) Self-Driving Labs for Materials and Chemical Sciences
Chair(s): Leonard Ng Wei Tat (NTU), Beatrice Soh (NUS) Co-Chair(s): Yang Bai (University of Toronto, Canada) Symposium Scope/Topics This symposium will focus on the emerging field of self-driving laboratories: autonomous research platforms that integrate automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate materials discovery and development. By tightly coupling experiments and theoretical calculations in a closed-loop framework, self-driving labs enable autonomous decision-making and continuous learning via rapid iteration. This dramatically reduces the time and cost associated with traditional materials discovery, across a broad range of materials system from catalysts to inorganics to polymers. This symposium aims to bring together materials scientists, AI experts and automation specialists to present recent advances and discuss challenges in developing self-driving laboratories. It will provide a forum for showcasing successful case studies and identifying the future directions of autonomous experimentation in materials science. The following topics are likely to be covered: Robotic platforms for high-throughput experimentation Integration of AI with automated synthesis and/or characterization workflows Development and deployment of digital twins for experimental systems Open-source tools and software for self-driving labs Ethical and safety considerations in autonomous research Invited Speakers To be confirmed This symposium will focus on the emerging field of self-driving laboratories: autonomous research platforms that integrate automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate materials discovery and development. By tightly coupling experiments and theoretical calculations in a closed-loop framework, self-driving labs enable autonomous decision-making and continuous learning via rapid iteration. This dramatically reduces the time and cost associated with traditional materials discovery, across a broad range of materials system from catalysts to inorganics to polymers. This symposium aims to bring together materials scientists, AI experts and automation specialists to present recent advances and discuss challenges in developing self-driving laboratories. It will provide a forum for showcasing successful case studies and identifying the future directions of autonomous experimentation in materials science. The following topics are likely to be covered: Robotic platforms for high-throughput experimentation Integration of AI with automated synthesis and/or characterization workflows Development and deployment of digital twins for experimental systems Open-source tools and software for self-driving labs Ethical and safety considerations in autonomous research To be confirmed
I2) Low-dimensional Materials: Computation, Materials and Device Concepts for Emerging Technologies
Chair(s): Pin Ho (IMRE), Yee Sin Ang (SUTD) Co-Chair(s): Aaron Lau Chit Siong (Q.Inc, A*STAR), Shi-Jun Liang (Nanjing University, China) Symposium Scope/Topics The symposium will cover recent advances in low dimensional materials and devices, enabling emerging hybrid quantum, electronic, optical and thermoelectric functionalities for sustainable quantum technologies, bio-inspired computing systems, advanced semiconductor electronics and clean energy solutions. Topics of interest will include Low-dimensional materials (0-2D) enabled solutions to real world problems High throughput computation methods for exploring and predicting low-dimensional material space Device fabrication techniques tailored for low-dimensional materials Novel device concepts for exploitation of low-dimensional materials Advanced characterization techniques for low-dimensional materials Quantum transport and emerging phenomena in low-dimensional materials Industry perspectives and commercial opportunities for low-dimensional materials Invited Speakers To be confirmed The symposium will cover recent advances in low dimensional materials and devices, enabling emerging hybrid quantum, electronic, optical and thermoelectric functionalities for sustainable quantum technologies, bio-inspired computing systems, advanced semiconductor electronics and clean energy solutions. Topics of interest will include Low-dimensional materials (0-2D) enabled solutions to real world problems High throughput computation methods for exploring and predicting low-dimensional material space Device fabrication techniques tailored for low-dimensional materials Novel device concepts for exploitation of low-dimensional materials Advanced characterization techniques for low-dimensional materials Quantum transport and emerging phenomena in low-dimensional materials Industry perspectives and commercial opportunities for low-dimensional materials To be confirmed
I1) Advances in Nanofabrication & Applications
Chair(s): Mingchao Zhang (NUS), Hong Liu (IMRE) Co-Chair(s): Jun Lu (NUS), Hao Zeng (Tampere University, Finland), Chaoqun Dong (Columbia University, USA) Symposium Scope/Topics This symposium focuses on the most recent developments in advanced nanofabrication technologies and novel materials engineering to address challenges of resolution, accuracy, scalability, and throughput. These technologies are key enablers for progress in nanophotonics, plasmonics, intelligent structures, and sensing. The symposium aims to unite researchers, engineers, and students to share achievements, discuss innovations, and identify scientific and technological challenges in nanofabrication and nanomanufacturing. Topics include: Polymeric nanostructures and thin films Advanced and unconventional nanofabrication 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures 3D, 4D, free-form nanoprinting and direct laser writing Intelligent and functional materials for smart structures Extreme nanofabrication (sub-10-nm resolution) AI- and ML-assisted nanofabrication Scalable nanomanufacturing (e.g., nanoimprint lithography) Applications in photonics, nano-optics, plasmonics, electronics, sensing, display, and anti-counterfeiting Advanced manufacturing for biological system interfaces Invited Speakers Prof Jongkuk Ko Gachon University Prof Hang Zhang Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo Prof Hamed Shahsavan University of Waterloo Prof Bumchul Park Korea University Prof Yinyin Bao University of Helsinki Prof Eva Blasco Heidelberg University (IMSEAM) Prof Tapajyoti Das Gupta IISc Bangalore Prof Yujia Zhang EPFL Prof Tawfique Hasan University of Cambridge Prof Jadranka Travas-Sejdic University of Auckland Prof Junsuk Rho Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Prof Patrick Parkinson University of Manchester Prof Chen Hou Tong Los Alamos National Laboratory Prof Cheng Yu-chieh National Taipei University of Technology Prof Jinyao Tang The University of Hong Kong Prof Yuxing Yao Hong Kong University of Science and Technology This symposium focuses on the most recent developments in advanced nanofabrication technologies and novel materials engineering to address challenges of resolution, accuracy, scalability, and throughput. These technologies are key enablers for progress in nanophotonics, plasmonics, intelligent structures, and sensing. The symposium aims to unite researchers, engineers, and students to share achievements, discuss innovations, and identify scientific and technological challenges in nanofabrication and nanomanufacturing. Topics include: Polymeric nanostructures and thin films Advanced and unconventional nanofabrication 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures 3D, 4D, free-form nanoprinting and direct laser writing Intelligent and functional materials for smart structures Extreme nanofabrication (sub-10-nm resolution) AI- and ML-assisted nanofabrication Scalable nanomanufacturing (e.g., nanoimprint lithography) Applications in photonics, nano-optics, plasmonics, electronics, sensing, display, and anti-counterfeiting Advanced manufacturing for biological system interfaces Prof Jongkuk Ko Gachon University Prof Hang Zhang Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo Prof Hamed Shahsavan University of Waterloo Prof Bumchul Park Korea University Prof Yinyin Bao University of Helsinki Prof Eva Blasco Heidelberg University (IMSEAM) Prof Tapajyoti Das Gupta IISc Bangalore Prof Yujia Zhang EPFL Prof Tawfique Hasan University of Cambridge Prof Jadranka Travas-Sejdic University of Auckland Prof Junsuk Rho Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Prof Patrick Parkinson University of Manchester Prof Chen Hou Tong Los Alamos National Laboratory Prof Cheng Yu-chieh National Taipei University of Technology Prof Jinyao Tang The University of Hong Kong Prof Yuxing Yao Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
H5) Polymer Additive, Composite and Manufacturing
Chair(s): Masayuki Okoshi (Gifu University, Japan) Co-Chair(s): Tan Chin Hui (ALTECO Chemical) Symposium Scope/Topics Our session focuses on three key areas: polymer additives, composite materials, and manufacturing technologies. Polymer additives: We pursue sustainable material design by enhancing functionality and environmental adaptability. Composite materials: This sector emphasizes the development and evaluation of novel high-strength, lightweight composites, promoting broad applications in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. Manufacturing: Advanced production technologies and process optimization are targeted to establish high-quality and efficient manufacturing systems. Researchers and engineers from Asia and around the world will gather to integrate diverse knowledge and technologies, strengthen collaboration with industry, and generate comprehensive insights that contribute to solving global challenges and realizing a sustainable society. Topics: Composite Materials Polymer-based Materials – sustainability and circularity Flame retardants/Flame-retardant materials Polymer additives Evaluation method, simulation, material Informatics 3D printing Injection/press/extruder Invited Speakers Ueno Tomonaga Nagoya University Our session focuses on three key areas: polymer additives, composite materials, and manufacturing technologies. Polymer additives: We pursue sustainable material design by enhancing functionality and environmental adaptability. Composite materials: This sector emphasizes the development and evaluation of novel high-strength, lightweight composites, promoting broad applications in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. Manufacturing: Advanced production technologies and process optimization are targeted to establish high-quality and efficient manufacturing systems. Researchers and engineers from Asia and around the world will gather to integrate diverse knowledge and technologies, strengthen collaboration with industry, and generate comprehensive insights that contribute to solving global challenges and realizing a sustainable society. Topics: Composite Materials Polymer-based Materials – sustainability and circularity Flame retardants/Flame-retardant materials Polymer additives Evaluation method, simulation, material Informatics 3D printing Injection/press/extruder Ueno Tomonaga Nagoya University
H4) Biomass-Based Defossilisation Strategies for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Chair(s): Kai Dan (IMRE), Li Zibiao (IMRE/NUS) Co-Chair(s): Yong Qian (South China University of Technology, China) Symposium Scope/Topics With increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability and reducing dependency on petroleum-based feedstock, the development of renewable fuel, chemicals and materials has become critical. Among these, lignocellulosic biomass offers a promising alternative to fossil fuel due to its abundance and renewability. Beyond biorefinery and biomass conversion, functional materials derived from wood and other biomass sources are attracting widespread attention for applications in packaging, electronics, and energy storage. This symposium aims to gather researchers and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, showcase recent advances, and discuss future directions in the design, synthesis, processing, and application of biomass. This symposium will cover the following topics: Biorefinery and biomass valorization Green chemistry for biomass pre-treatment Biomass conversion to platform chemicals Green and sustainable technologies for biomass deconstruction Biomass-based materials Cellulose-derived functional materials (films, hydrogels, aerogels, electronics, 3D printing, sensors) Lignin-derived functional materials (nanoparticles, adhesives, resins, copolymers) Other functional materials from biomass Wood-derived materials and technologies Functional wood composites Bioinspired and hierarchical wood structures Transparent and modified/reprocessed wood Novel processing methods on wood Invited Speakers To be confirmed With increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability and reducing dependency on petroleum-based feedstock, the development of renewable fuel, chemicals and materials has become critical. Among these, lignocellulosic biomass offers a promising alternative to fossil fuel due to its abundance and renewability. Beyond biorefinery and biomass conversion, functional materials derived from wood and other biomass sources are attracting widespread attention for applications in packaging, electronics, and energy storage. This symposium aims to gather researchers and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, showcase recent advances, and discuss future directions in the design, synthesis, processing, and application of biomass. This symposium will cover the following topics: Biorefinery and biomass valorization Green chemistry for biomass pre-treatment Biomass conversion to platform chemicals Green and sustainable technologies for biomass deconstruction Biomass-based materials Cellulose-derived functional materials (films, hydrogels, aerogels, electronics, 3D printing, sensors) Lignin-derived functional materials (nanoparticles, adhesives, resins, copolymers) Other functional materials from biomass Wood-derived materials and technologies Functional wood composites Bioinspired and hierarchical wood structures Transparent and modified/reprocessed wood Novel processing methods on wood To be confirmed
H3) Programmable Soft Materials and Flexible Structures for Sustainability Solutions
Chair(s): Yifan Wang (NTU), Will Liu Chang (NUS) Co-Chair(s): Wei Zhai (NUS), Ke Liu (Peking University, China) Symposium Scope/Topics Soft materials and flexible structures offer programmable mechanical and functional behaviors, opening new opportunities for sustainable solutions. Programmable encoding of extreme properties and multifunctionality into such systems can be achieved through a broad spectrum of physical, chemical, thermal, and other couplings. This symposium explores multiscale design and fabrication strategies that enable adaptive, responsive, and environmentally conscious soft systems for real-world applications. By uniting expertise in manufacturing, mechanics, and materials science, the symposium seeks to catalyze cross-disciplinary solutions that advance programmable soft materials and flexible structures toward a sustainable future. Multi-physics coupling in soft materials and flexible structures for extreme properties. Programmable encoding of functionalities within soft materials and flexible structures. Responsiveness enabled by advanced processes, including 4D printing, hierarchical structuring, biomimetic design, compositing, and beyond. Soft material systems for sustainability, encompassing energy harvesting, water management, and environmental sensing. Soft materials and flexible structures for robotics and human–machine interfaces. Invited Speakers To be confirmed Soft materials and flexible structures offer programmable mechanical and functional behaviors, opening new opportunities for sustainable solutions. Programmable encoding of extreme properties and multifunctionality into such systems can be achieved through a broad spectrum of physical, chemical, thermal, and other couplings. This symposium explores multiscale design and fabrication strategies that enable adaptive, responsive, and environmentally conscious soft systems for real-world applications. By uniting expertise in manufacturing, mechanics, and materials science, the symposium seeks to catalyze cross-disciplinary solutions that advance programmable soft materials and flexible structures toward a sustainable future. Multi-physics coupling in soft materials and flexible structures for extreme properties. Programmable encoding of functionalities within soft materials and flexible structures. Responsiveness enabled by advanced processes, including 4D printing, hierarchical structuring, biomimetic design, compositing, and beyond. Soft material systems for sustainability, encompassing energy harvesting, water management, and environmental sensing. Soft materials and flexible structures for robotics and human–machine interfaces. To be confirmed
