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AFM2026: 6th conference on advanced functional materials

With this conference, we aim to highlight research within the area of advanced functional materials, to establish new projects and collaborations and to discuss challenges and opportunitites within materials sciences.

Photo credit Olov Planthaber

The scope of the conference

Materials science of novel ceramics, metals, polymers, organic compounds, nanotechnology, advanced surfaces. For example:

  • high-performance soft, hard, and hybrid smart materials
  • photovoltaic energy conversion with polymeric, perovskite and other types of solar cells
  • reduced friction in engines
  • efficient light sources
  • new materials for scalable electrical energy storage in a low-carbon economy is addressed by utilization of renewable biopolymers
  • modeling and data-driven design of advanced materials

Background

With a support from a Strategic area grant provided by the Swedish government, Linkoping University has established an International interdisciplinary laboratory for Advanced Functional Materials (AFM).

AFM consists of 240 researchers who work together in interactive teams. We envision that science focused on the atomic/molecular scale design of new materials will provide solutions to broadly-based societal issues, including work opportunities, health, energy, environment, and sustainability.

More information on the Strategic research area “Advanced Functional Materials”, including staff active within, please visit our AFM web page at Linköping University.

Impressions from the previous AFM conferences

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Julia Morat, PhD-Student

Why did you participate?

For the opportunity to get to know more about what my follow colleagues are doing, get inspired to new ideas and collaborations as well as knowledge about equipment that can be used at campus.

What did you get out of the conference?

Except for the above mentioned I also received valuable knowledge about the organization behind a conference, as well as a good time.

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Henrik Pedersen, Professor

Why did you participate?

To hear more about the materials science research at LiU.

What did you get out of the conference?

I had lots of good discussions and interesting talks with other participants.

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Research Engineer

Why did you participate?

I am part of a PhD school in Linköping. As part of the PhD program, conferences and seminar play a part of the curriculum. In view of this, I presented a poster and gave a short talk on my project.

What did you get out of the conference?

I got connected with other PhD students alike and shared ideas on different projects including techniques and analytical tools. I did gain some insights that are important in my area of research. Also, I also learn some new things in presentation techniques as well as meeting experienced researchers from abroad.

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Anna Du Rietz, PhD-student

Why did you participate?

I think it is important to meet colleagues and discuss science.

What did you get out of the conference?

I feel inspired and expanded my scientific network.

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Per Persson, Professor

Why did you participate?

I participated to meet research colleagues and stay up to date in the field.

What did you get out of the conference?

Both, it was a nice and relaxed environment where you can mix private and professional reflections and experiences, together with discussions and strategy work.

Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Emma Björk, Associate professor

Why did you participate?

I participated to get an updated view of what is happening in the materials science research at LiU right now and to show my colleagues parts of what I am working on in sustainable development

What did you get out of the conference?

I got a good idea of what is going on in the field and an opportunity to meet people I don't meet on a daily basis.

Practical information, registration and abstracts

Registration

Last registration for registration is June 15. 

Requests for late registration, please contact anna.ahlgren@liu.se.

If you wish to present a poster or give a short oral talk, please indicate this in your registration and submit you abstract no later than June 22.

AFM conference abstract template. 

Programme and abstracts

Find programme and abstracts here.

Registration

Register for AFM conference

Submit abstract for AFM conference 

Organisers

The AFM 2026 conference is organised by the international interdisciplinary laboratory for advanced functional materials (AFM) at Linköping University.

Organising committee

  • Caroline Brommesson
  • Johan Klarbring
  • Catherine Aitchison

Venue and time

Time: 18-19 August

Venue: Konsert & kongress Linköping

Exhibitors

Most welcome to participate as exhibitor at the AFM 2026!

For details and more information, please contact the organisers.

Contact

Contact AFM conference

Photo of Caroline Brommesson

Caroline Brommesson

Associate Professor, Docent

Contact AFM

Photo of Igor Abrikosov

Igor Abrikosov

Professor, Head of Division, Head of Unit

Organisers

Closeup of electronic component held with tweezers, part of a mans face in the backgound

Advanced Functional Materials - AFM

Advanced Functional Materials, AFM, is an interdisciplinary research environment conducting studies in advanced functional materials. The initiative is based on a government investment with strategic research areas as its foundation.