Conferences
29 June–2 July 2026, San Sebastián, Spain
20th European Student Colloid Conference

Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the local organizing committee, it is our pleasure to invite you to the 20th European Student Colloid Conference (ESC 2026), which will take place in Donostia/San Sebastián (Spain) from 29 June to 2 July 2026.
ESC is a conference organized by and for PhD students as part of the activities of the European Colloid and Interface Society. As part of a longstanding tradition, ESC 2026 marks the 20th edition of the conference. The conference is designed to provide a supportive environment where young researchers can present their work, exchange ideas, and discuss science in a friendly atmosphere. Topics include colloids, soft matter, polymers, and biological systems.
Plenary speakers
- Ilja Voets (Eindhoven University of Technology).
- Carlos L. Bassani (FAU Erlangen–Nürnberg).
- Laura Alvarez (University of Bordeaux).
- Martin F. Haase (Utrecht University).
- Reidar Lund (University of Oslo).
In addition, the conference will include Career Talks dedicated to discussing professional paths after a PhD:
- Lisa Tran (Utrecht University)—Building an independent academic research group.
- Baptiste Hervé (L’Oréal)—Developing a career in industry.
Beyond the scientific program, Donostia/San Sebastián—located on the Basque coast—is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and exceptional food. We are also preparing a social program designed to encourage interaction and networking among participants, making ESC a memorable experience both scientifically and personally.
Key dates
- Abstract submission deadline: 27 March 2026.
- Registration deadline: 15 May 2026.
More information and abstract submission:
https://esc2026.cfm.ehu.es/
We look forward to welcoming you to San Sebastián in June 2026 for an inspiring conference about colloid and soft matter science.
Kind regards,
The ESC 2026 Organizing Team