Materials Science workshops

This MRS workshop, developed with the Japan Society of Applied Physics, examines how AI can advance autonomous materials research beyond property prediction. Sessions connect physics-informed models, fundamental physical understanding, experimental validation and human–AI collaboration. Particular attention goes to data-efficient learning where experimental datasets are small or difficult to obtain. The online programme runs 4 November, 10:00–13:00, and 5 November, 19:00–22:00, US Eastern Time (EST). Registered participants receive session recordings. Registration is USD 100 regular, USD 75 for MRS members and USD 25 for students; qualifying developing-country professionals pay USD 25 and qualifying students attend free, subject to documentation and the published conditions. An MRS account is required.

Follow the transformation of rough diamond into a polished stone through crystallography, planning and manufacturing. Visual rough-diamond models and marking exercises show how crystal structure informs cutting decisions; participants also work with rough and polished specimens. The course explains processing stages, factory equipment, current manufacturing techniques and differences between production centres, with mathematical exercises relating rough-stone costs to polished outcomes. 9 November, 10:00–16:00; Europe/London (GMT, UTC+00:00). In-person course limited to 20 places. Conference-delegate prices: £215 for Gem-A members and £225 for non-members, reduced from £299. Non-member booking uses Eventbrite; members and students use the Gem-A dashboard. Tickets are non-refundable.

The workshop brings senior and early-career researchers together to examine emerging challenges in neurotechnology, neural engineering, bioelectronics and biological interfaces. Invited talks cover materials and devices for neuroelectronics and bioinspired materials for tissue engineering. Editor panels, an IDEA League focus session and posters provide opportunities to compare approaches and develop collaborations. A poster award is sponsored by Advanced Electronic Materials. In-person at the Central Library, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany. Starts November 17 at 09:00 and ends November 18 at 13:30, Europe/Berlin (CET). Apply by October 20 through the event registration form. Participation requires organizer approval; the form includes an Other affiliation option. Fees are not stated on the registration page.

A workshop for research technical professionals examines electron microscopy, sample preparation and the operation of research facilities. Presentations cover imaging, spectroscopy, cryo-SEM, data quality, industrial microscopy and post-irradiation examination; discussion addresses maintenance, standard operating procedures, data management and user training. Participants compare technical practices and develop collaborations across the UK microscopy community. The 17 November programme begins with arrival at 09:30, followed by a 10:00 welcome, two presentation sessions, a panel at 15:15 and closing remarks at 15:45–16:00 (UK local time, GMT). Attendance is free for research technical professionals, with lunch and refreshments. NTPMI can subsidize travel for attendees from outside Greater Manchester.

Growing transport demand and decarbonisation targets motivate new approaches to ground improvement and reuse of industrial waste. This workshop examines how recycled rubber, plastics, glass, fly ash and slag can improve infrastructure performance while reducing demand for virgin materials. Research and engineering case studies combine laboratory characterisation, computational modelling, bio-mediated treatment, fatigue and dynamic-load analysis, and lifecycle assessment. AI applications address hazard assessment, predictive monitoring, ground-engineering workflows and material behaviour. Three technical sessions examine sustainable ground improvement, circular use of waste and marginal materials, and the responsible application of AI. The programme on 2 December 2026 includes presentations, facilitated discussion and networking. Registration and refreshments begin at 07:45, opening addresses at 08:30 and research presentations at 08:45; closing remarks are at 17:30, followed by networking cocktails. Times are AEDT (Australia/Sydney). Researchers, engineers, industry and government participants, and postgraduate students are welcome. Early-bird tickets are AUD363 general admission or AUD253 for students, including GST, through 1 November; booking fees may apply. Refund requests are accepted through 15 November.

Explore whether the physics of glass and jamming transitions can provide shared principles for complex matter, from amorphous solids and granular flows to living systems. The programme combines theoretical, experimental and computational approaches to nonequilibrium dynamics, structural disorder and collective behaviour. Discussions connect soft and active matter with biological processes and medical challenges, seeking research directions that cross the boundaries between physics, chemistry, materials and medicine. 14 December at 10:15 to 18 December at 12:40; Asia/Tokyo (JST, UTC+09:00). Attendance-only registration is due 30 November. Poster proposals are due 31 October, subject to capacity; oral submission and banquet booking have closed. An Indico account is required, with new accounts approved during Japanese weekday office hours.

This course connects biological interfaces with biomedical materials and technologies. Topics include molecular recognition, cell communication and responses to materials, nanoparticle interfaces, diagnostics and therapeutics, implants, bioprinting and tissue engineering. Measurement and characterization methods link fundamental interfacial processes to design challenges in medical devices and other applications. The interdisciplinary programme brings together biological, physical and engineering perspectives.

The school introduces non-equilibrium statistical physics and stochastic processes as tools for noisy, dynamic systems. Lectures cover transport, carbon nanostructures and carbon nanotubes, theoretical and experimental biophysics, and connections between non-equilibrium physics and problems spanning cosmology to living systems. It is designed for master's and doctoral students and early-career postdoctoral researchers, requiring little prior experience of these advanced topics. Participants submit poster abstracts. There is no registration fee; limited attendance grants prioritize participants from developing countries. The programme supports research training and collaboration across Africa.