Dear Participants,

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It is our great pleasure to welcome you to Lisbon for the 23rd International Sol-Gel Conference, taking place from 31 August to 4 September 2026, at the Instituto Superior Técnico (Técnico) of the University of Lisbon. We are delighted to bring more than 300 leading scientists, researchers, industry representatives and early-career professionals from 39 countries, united by a shared interest in inorganic and organic–inorganic hybrid materials developed through sol-gel and related soft-chemistry routes.

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For more than four decades, the International Sol-Gel Conference has connected fundamental research with technological breakthroughs and industrial innovation. Sol-Gel 2026 continues this tradition with a broad and exciting programme covering the chemistry and fundamentals of sol-gel processes, materials design and characterisation, nanostructured, hybrid, composite, bio-inspired and bio-sourced materials, as well as applications in health, bio-medicine, energy, environmental protection, cultural heritage, catalysis, sensors, coatings and optics. This year’s conference also looks firmly towards the future. Particular attention will be given to environmentally responsible materials and processes, green chemistry, use of digital tools, advanced manufacturing, process scale-up and the industrialisation of sol-gel technologies.

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On 31 August, the workshop “Bridging Academia and Industry: Translating Sol-Gel Research to the Real World”, organised by members of the Early-Career Researcher (ECR) of the ISGS, will address the opportunities and challenges involved in transforming research outcomes into practical applications and commercial impact. This discussion will be further developed during the round table “The Organisational Culture Gap: Why Academia and Industry Often Speak Different Languages”, taking place on 2 September.

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Sol-Gel 2026 will foster interaction across disciplines, generations and sectors, creating opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry and for early-career researchers and students to engage with leading experts. Indeed, several emerging early-career researchers have been invited to speak at the conference, and the ISGS ECR will also have the opportunity to meet, as well as exchange ideas and present their activities to the wider sol-gel community.

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Beyond the scientific programme, we invite you to enjoy Lisbon, a city shaped by its relationship with the River Tagus and by centuries of encounters between cultures. Its historic neighbourhoods, distinctive architecture, rich cultural heritage, renowned gastronomy and unique Atlantic light provide an inspiring setting for scientific exchange, creativity and friendship.

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The social programme has been designed to offer participants opportunities to experience the Tagus and the city, while continuing their conversations in a more relaxed atmosphere. It will include a gathering aboard the Ópera ship, from which participants can enjoy Lisbon from the river, as well as the conference dinner at Casa do Alentejo, in the heart of the city.

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The conference will conclude on 4 September with the ISGS session featuring the ISGS Fellows Ceremony, a lecture by the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the announcement of the recipients of the Ulrich Award, PhD Award, Renata Reisfeld Award, and Best Poster Award, the latter one sponsored by the Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology.

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We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all invited speakers, authors, reviewers, session chairs, sponsors, institutional and industrial partners, and to the many colleagues and volunteers whose dedication has made this conference possible. Above all, we thank every participant for joining us and contributing to the vitality of the international sol-gel community.

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We hope that the days ahead will be scientifically rewarding and intellectually stimulating, and filled with productive discussions, new partnerships and memorable moments.

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Welcome to Lisbon, and welcome to Sol-Gel 2026!

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The Conference Chairs