The 16th international conference "Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies" (FM&NT 2026) has officially begun in Riga. The four-day event is taking place at the University of Latvia’s House of Science, gathering more than 200 scientists, engineers, industry representatives, and policymakers from Europe and across the globe to share their latest discoveries, present current research results, and lay the groundwork for future collaboration and innovation.
Since the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) first launched the FM&NT conference back in 2006, it has grown into one of the most significant scientific forums in the Baltic and Nordic region dedicated to functional materials, nanotechnologies, and related devices. The main objective of the conference is to strengthen European research and innovation by fostering international cooperation and widespread discussion on the latest scientific achievements and technological trends.
During the opening of the conference, Ieva Siliņa, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science, emphasized: "For [Latvia], science and innovation are not abstract priorities – they are the very foundation of national development. Conferences like FM&NT demonstrate how close cooperation between universities, research institutes, and industry can create real-world impact. They also show how regional cooperation, particularly within the Baltic and Nordic region, can significantly boost the development of the broader European research ecosystem."
The conference covers a diverse and interdisciplinary range of topics crucial to modern technological and scientific progress. Special sessions and expert discussions will focus on the following areas:
Materials for Energy: The latest advancements in batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen energy, and nuclear energy.
Materials for Photonics: Discoveries in light emission, detection, transformation, and quantum photonics.
Ferroelectrics and Functional Materials: Research into inorganic, organic, hybrid, and low-dimensional materials, as well as Van der Waals and topological ferroelectrics.
Microfluidics and Biomedical Technologies: Innovations in organ-on-chip and lab-on-chip systems, biosensors, micro/nano sensing, microrobotics, and advanced biomaterials.
Theoretical Modeling of Functional Materials and Devices: The application of artificial intelligence and predictive modeling for the development of next-generation materials.
Technologies and Devices: Insights into nanotechnologies, sensors, thin films, functional coatings, fiber optics, and lasers.
Large-Scale Research Infrastructure, Science Policy, and Cooperation: Strategic discussions on synchrotrons, neutron sources, FP10 (the next European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation), and the development of regional innovation ecosystems.
The extensive scientific program features plenary and invited lectures by world-renowned experts, oral and poster presentations, thematic workshops, and even a dedicated Demo Zone, offering ample opportunities for gathering new insights and networking.
Reflecting a strong spirit of regional cooperation, FM&NT 2026 is jointly organized by the leading academic and research institutions of the Baltic States:
- Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
- University of Latvia
- University of Tartu
- Vilnius University
