Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On behalf of the Materials Research Society–Taiwan (MRS-Taiwan), I am deeply honored to welcome you to the 2026 IUMRS International Conference in Asia (IUMRS-ICA 2026), to be held from October 31 to November 4, with an excursion on November 5. Established in 1968, MRS-Taiwan is one of the world’s longest-standing professional societies in materials science, leading the field with a legacy of excellence spanning over half a century. With a powerful network of over 1,800 members worldwide, our society has built a solid foundation through over five decades of growth, evolving into the most influential and prestigious leader in materials science in the region. Building upon this extensive academic legacy, we are proud to be a key founding member of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS). As one of the pioneering materials research societies of IUMRS, we collaborate closely with 14 core Adhering Bodies to drive global innovation. Now in its 27th edition, this conference has evolved into Asia’s premier flagship platform, consistently redefining the frontiers of materials science and dynamically adapting to every next-generation technological shift and industrial breakthrough.
This year’s conference showcases the vast diversity of materials science and our commitment to global sustainability. The program features 8 major forums: Energy Materials, Zero Carbon Emission Techniques, Polymer/Soft Matter and Biomedical Materials, Composite and Nano Materials and Materials Analysis, Electronic and Optical Materials, Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metal Materials, Artificial Intelligence and Theoretical Computation, and Functional Ceramic Materials. These eight forums comprise 54 symposia. The conference has received over 1,500 abstract submissions and is expected to bring together approximately 2,000 participants from academia and industry worldwide. We are privileged to host 10 Plenary Speakers, more than 70 Keynote Speakers, and over 340 Invited Speakers. An exhibition with 60 booths will connect researchers and industry partners across the global materials supply chain. Beyond technical sessions, the iconic "Materials Knowledge Contest" will celebrate its landmark 10th edition, providing a unique platform for young talents to engage with world-class masters. We invite our guests to the Conference Banquet on November 3 and a cultural excursion in Tainan on November 5 to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant heritage.
We are proud to host this gathering at ICC TAINAN, with the robust academic support of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), ensuring a world-class foundation for this event. Tainan itself is a city where ancient whispers of history meet the high-tech pulse of the future. It is here that centuries-old heritage sites stand alongside the world’s most advanced semiconductor clusters, creating a unique spark where humanity and technological innovation coexist and flourish. Known as the "Capital of Gastronomy" with a pleasant climate, Tainan invites you to explore its historic alleys and savor world-renowned local delicacies. We look forward to welcoming you to Tainan as we write the next chapter of materials science together!
IUMRS-ICA Organizing Committee, MRS-Taiwan
General Chair of IUMRS-ICA2026
President, Materials Research Society-Taiwan