ThinFilms2026 Symposium Topics

SymposiumScopeSymposium Chair

2D Materials (2DM)

[Completed]

This symposium aims at bringing together scientists and engineers to discuss different issues related to the applications of 2D and hybrid low-dimensional composites materials with enhanced functionality for electronics, photonics, sensors and clean energy applications. The objective is to cover the major aspects from materials synthesis, functionalization and fabrication techniques with specific focus on their integration into devices. A wide range of topics which include functionalisation of surfaces and interfaces, hybrid and nanostructured materials, green and environmentally friendly synthesis with applications in bio-related, smart chemical and/or physical sensors, plasmonics, photonics, micro and nano-electronics devices, energy-related fuels harvesting, solar, battery and hydrogen generation technologies.

Daniel CHUA, MSE, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Co-Chair:
Qing ZHANG, EEE, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Hyung Gyu PARK, POSTECH, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea

Biomedical and Healthcare (BHC)

[Completed]

This symposium is for discussion and exchange of the state-of-the-art researches and developments on coatings and thin films for biomedical & healthcare applications, such as medical implants and prosthetics, wound healing dressings, contact Lenses, tissue engieering and biosensors. As one of the most interdisciplinary research area, topics of interests in this symposium include but not limited to:

  1. Design, construction and characterization of the surface of various biomaterials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, as well as their bio-interfaces;
  2. New ideas on biomedical & healthcare related applications;
  3. Antibacterial, antifouling, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects of coatings and thin films.

Kui CHENG, Zhejiang University, China

Co-Chair:

Peng LI, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China

Liqun XU, Southwestern University, China

Carbon-Based Films and Hard Coating Technology (CBF)

[moved to normal symposium from the special]

This symposium serves as a platform for researchers and industrial engineers to discuss the latest advancements in the synthesis of carbon-based thin films, including carbon nanotubes, diamond films, and diamond-like carbon films. The research presented may encompass the structural, electrical, and mechanical properties of these films, highlighting their potential applications in electronics, energy storage, and biomedicine. Additionally, the symposium will address optimizing deposition methods, characterizing film performance, and investigating novel applications, all contributing to the progress in carbon-based thin film technology.

Lang HU, Jihua Lab, China

Co-Chair:
Qimin WANG, Guangdong University of Technology, China

Coating towards Industrial Applications (CIA)

[Completed]

This symposium is for discussion and updates on technological inventions/developments in industrial applications of various thin films and coatings, including processing and characterization equipment as well as technologies for post-treatment of the waste liquids or gases in fabrication of films or coatings. We welcome participants from industries, universities, and research laboratories to submit papers with real case industrial applications. The potential topics may include but not limited to:

  1. Nanostructure/nanocomposite/multilayer/gradient thin films and coatings
  2. Hard yet tough nitride/carbide thin films and coatings; Hard and super hard nitride/carbide thin films and coatings; High entropy nitride/carbide thin films and coatings; Diamond-like carbon-related coatings
  3. Physical vapour deposition techniques: High power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS); Filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA); Pulse laser deposition (PLD)…
  4. Surface and interface treatment for energy materials

Deen SUN, Southwest University, China

Co-Chair:
Fei MA, Xi’An Jiaotong University, China

Computation and AI for Materials & Thin Films

[Completed]

This symposium serves as a platform for researchers to explore recent advancements, challenges, and future directions and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and progress in computational and AI-driven materials science and application in thin films. Covering a wide range of simulation methodologies and AI-driven approaches, the symposium will emphasize the fundamental physics and chemistry governing functional elements in thin films and materials. Additionally, it will showcase innovations in materials design and discovery.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Methodology Development (ab initio calculations, continuum modeling, multiscale simulations, AI, and high-throughput workflows)

2. Modeling of Thin Films

3. Modeling of Materials (including traditional, novel, and sustainable materials)

4. AI for Materials (large language models, materials genome approaches, data science, and machine learning)
· CALPHAD (Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and Thermochemistry)

5. Modeling of Materials Degradation and Lifetime Estimation

6. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of Sustainable Materials and Processes

Jianwei ZHENG, Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore

Co-Chair:
Chonghe LI, Shanghai University, China

Energy & Sustainability (ENS)

[Completed]

This symposium aims to provide an international forum for discussion and exchange of ideas on the state-of-the-art research and development of thin films for energy conversion and storage. It covers a wide spectrum of energy-related topics, including solar cells, solar fuels, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, fuel cells, thermoelectric generators, storage batteries, redox flow batteries, supercapacitors, and so on. Researchers are welcome to present their recent studies on materials and devices pertinent to the aforementioned topics. Studies on environmental science and technology, such as water treatment, oil/water separation, desalination, water evaporation and collection, are also welcomed.

Lidong SUN, Chongqing University, China

Co-Chair:

Yixiang OU, Radiation Technology Institute, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, China

Lu XIA, The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Spain

Ferroelectric Films & Functional Devices (FFFD)

[New symposium, completed]

Ferroelectric polarization states could be programmable, controlled by the electric field and energetic photons, which have been shown with multiple non-volatile memory functional devices, and are potential for utilization in neuromorphic computing applications and other functional devices. The emerging ferroelectricity of low-dimensional materials offers the new opportunities for expanding the traditional ferroelectricity into low dimensions exponentially, making size-scaling functional devices for high density in-sensor and computing application requirements. Currently, this field is developing at such a fast pace that we felt the necessity to show the recent important progress in this field. The purpose of this symposium intends to collect the latest developments for scientific and technological advances of low-dimensional ferroelectric materials for neuromorphic computing applications and other functional devices, to provide an exhaustive discussion of the state of the art and push forward future applications.

Yu ZHOU, Central South University, China

Bobo TIAN, East China Normal University, China

High Entropy and Amorphous Coatings (HEAC)

[New Symposium, completed]

The Symposium on High Entropy and Amorphous Coatings is a specialized event that brings together experts and researchers from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in the field of high entropy and amorphous coatings. These coatings, characterized by their unique structures and properties, have shown significant potential in various applications due to their enhanced durability, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. During the symposium, attendees can expect to hear from leading scientists who will share their insights on the synthesis, characterization, and application of these innovative coatings. The event will feature a series of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions that delve into the intricacies of high entropy alloy coatings and amorphous materials, which are increasingly important in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

Yong ZHANG, Fuyao University of Science and Technology, China

Co-Chair:
Cheng-yong WANG, Guangdong University of Technology, China

Jun SHEN, Fujian University of Technology, China

Peter K LIAW, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, USA

Nanostructures, Nanocomposites & Nanoparticles (NNN)

[chair updated, scope to be confirmed]

This Symposium focuses on recent advances in both fundamental and applied science of nanostructured thin films and coatings. Particular attentions will be given to the design, processing, characterization, properties, performance and applications of nanostructured thin films and coatings. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Nanocrystalline, heterogeneous-structured, graded, nanocomposite, multilayered, and porous films and coatings;
  • Medium/high-entropy alloy coatings;
  • Medium/high-entropy ceramic (oxide, nitride and carbide) coatings;
  • Bottom-up processing techniques, including physical (e.g., PVD), chemical (e.g., CVD, electrodeposition) and additive manufacturing methods;
  • Top-down nanofabrication techniques, including electron or ion beam nanolithography and scanning probe–based lithography, and laser micro-nano-texturing, etc.;
  • Structural, microstructural, micro-/nanomechanical and in-situ characterization;
  • Processing-structure-property-performance relationships;
  • Advanced functional and structural applications.

Yingchun GUAN, Beihang University, China

Co-Chair:
Linda WU Yongling, Shandong University of Technology, China

XIE Guijiu, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China

Optical Thin Films (OTF)

[Completed]

Optical thin films are one of the core technologies in modern optical research. This symposium aims to bring together global researchers in this field to discuss developing trends and recent progress, including the following topics:
Intelligent Design: AI-driven material design / Reverse engineering / Multi-objective optimization

Advanced Deposition: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) / Magnetron sputtering / Online process monitoring & intelligent control

Functional Materials: Phase-change memory alloys / Quantum photonic materials / Self-assembled metamaterials/Self-cleaning/Self-healing

Quantum Technologies: Quantum sensing / Metasurface-enabled stealth & super-resolution imaging

Smart Devices: Adaptive light/thermal regulation windows / Bio-inspired optical coatings/IR-transparent windows / Smart dynamic glazing / Photothermal management devices

Jiaqi ZHU, Harbin Institute of Technology, China

Co-Chair:

Kun-Lin Yang, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Organic Electronics and Photonics (OEP)

[completed]

This symposium is highly interdisciplinary and crosses the boundaries of thin films in the field of physics, chemistry, materials science and optics, and will address fundamental questions as well as applications. Topics of interests may include but not limited to,

  1. Organic optoelectronics: organic semiconducting materials, physics and devices such as OPVs, OLEDs, OFETS, organic sensors, organic thermoelectrics, etc.;
  2. Organics photonics: waveguide materials and devices, laser induced photonic structures, electro-optics/nonlinear polymers, etc.;
  3. Other related topics: perovskite and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, physics and devices, etc.

Xiaotao HAO, Shandong University, China

Co-Chair:
Hiroyuki YOSHIDA, Chiba University, Japan
Han Young WOO, Korea University, South Korea

Surface Treatment & Protection (STP)

[no change]

This symposium provides a platform for the exchange of experimental and theoretical investigations into surface treatments (pre-treatment, post-treatments, hybrid-treatments) and coatings for surface protection applications, including mechanical (deformation, fracture, fatigue, delamination), tribological, anti-corrosion, anti-oxidation, as well as wetting & anti-wetting (e.g., anti-fogging, self-cleaning, anti-icing). In addition, surface treatments and coatings for protection or barriers under harsh environment impacts (high or ultra-high temperature and thermomechanical stresses) are also included.

The focus is on the effectiveness of surface protection via materials design, selection, simulation, process development, microstructural characterization, and optimization. The above list is not exhaustive – other relevant topics for surface protection are welcome.

Wan-Yu WU, National United University, Taiwan

Co-Chair:
Zhong CHEN, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Smart Materials and Microsystems (SMM)

[completed]

The objective of this symposium is to bring together researchers working in the new and exciting areas of smart materials and microsystems, which include the following topics:

  • Piezoelectric thin films and applications;
  • Shape memory alloys, polymers, and their film/coating;
  • Intelligent and smart polymers, polymer composites, and surface engineering;
  • Magnetostrictive and magnetoelectric films;
  • Surface processing of smart materials;
  • Metamaterials based on smart films;
  • Thin films for flexible and wearable electronics;
  • Smart microsystems, sensors and actuators, MESM, lab-on-chips;
  • AI and machine learning in smart microsystems.

Yongqing FU, Northumbria University, UK

Co-Chair:
Jian ZHOU, Hunan University, China
Xueyong WEI, Xi’An Jiaotong University, China

Thin Film Devices (TFD)

This symposium provides a platform for participants to share recent advancements in thin film device technologies. Thin films can be achieved through various physical and chemical methods. The further developments of thin film devices strongly depend on the state-of-the-art knowledge of thin film technologies. The topics of interests may include but not limited to:

  1. Thin film preparation, characterization and device application
  2. Novel thin film optical and electro-optical devices
  3. Light-emitting devices
  4. Thin film transistors and area-emitting transistors
  5. Photovoltaics
  6. Photodetectors
  7. Gas sensors
  8. Memory-based devices
  9. Bio sensors and applications

Dong-Sing WUU, National Chi Nan University, Taiwan

Co-Chair:
Shui-Yang LIEN, Xiamen University of Technology, China

[Special Symposium-1]

Special Workshop on Korea-Singapore Research Collaboration

[completed]

This symposium will feature a special workshop showcasing papers and presentations by researchers from Korea and Singapore. The workshop aims to foster collaboration opportunities between scholars from both regions. Participation is by invitation from the Symposium Chairs.

Suk Won CHA, Seoul National University

Co-Chair:

Woosung PARK, Hanyang University, Korea

Jungwan CHO, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea

Sangwook PARK, Seoul National University, Korea

[Special Symposium-2]

Part Precision Machining and Surface Processing Technology

[completed]

This symposium aims to provide a discussion and exchange platform for the latest research and progress in surface integrity and processing for functional component manufacturing. As an interdisciplinary field with a wide range of applications, topics of interest to this symposium include but are not limited to:

1. Precision machining surface integrity and application research;

2. Ceramic surface processing and film preparation and application;

3. Research and application of parts lubrication;

4. Research on the application of thin film materials in green energy

Yuhou WU, Shenyang Jianzhu University, China

Co-Chair:
Ke ZHANG, Shenyang University of Technology, China
Songhua LI, Shenyang Jianzhu University, China

[Special Symposium-3]

Thin Film Technology in Semiconductor Packaging

[New symposium, completed]

Explore the latest advancements in semiconductor packaging technologies, focusing on thin film innovations and their impact on performance and reliability

Yong Jin YOON, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea

Co-Chair:
Taek-Soo KIM, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea

en_USEnglish
Scroll to Top