World Congress on Chemical Complexity, Functional Matter & Molecular Systems on August 18-20, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal

Call for papers/Topics

Topics of Interest for Submission include, but are Not Limited to:

1. Foundations of Chemical Complexity

This area focuses on the theoretical and mathematical principles that govern how simple building blocks give rise to complex behavior.

Information Theory in Chemistry

Quantifying molecular complexity (complexity indices).

Information storage and retrieval in molecular sequences (e.g., DNA-inspired data storage).

Chemical algorithms and molecular logic gates.

Non-Equilibrium Dynamics

Dissipative structures and energy-driven systems.

Far-from-equilibrium self-assembly (active matter).

Chemical oscillations, waves, and pattern formation (e.g., Belousov–Zhabotinsky reactions).

Systems Chemistry

Autocatalytic sets and self-replicating molecular networks.

Feedback loops (positive and negative) in chemical pathways.

Metabolic network modeling and synthetic protocells.

2. Molecular Systems & Supramolecular Chemistry

This pillar examines how molecules "recognize" each other and assemble into larger, non-covalently bonded structures.

Molecular Recognition & Binding

Host-guest chemistry (crown ethers, cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils).

Cooperativity and multivalency in binding events.

Dynamic Covalent Chemistry (DCC) and adaptive libraries.

Self-Assembly & Self-Organization

Hierarchical assembly (from molecules to nanostructures to bulk matter).

Templated assembly and molecular scaffolding.

Supramolecular polymers and liquid crystals.

Molecular Machines & Actuators

Artificial molecular motors (rotary and linear).

Molecular switches and shuttles (rotaxanes and catenanes).

Translation of molecular motion to macroscopic work.

3. Functional Matter & Smart Materials

This section deals with the "output"—materials designed to respond to their environment or perform specific physical functions.

Stimuli-Responsive Materials (Smart Matter)

Photo-responsive systems (azobenzenes, diarylethenes).

Thermo-responsive polymers (LCST/UCST behavior).

pH-sensitive hydrogels and ion-responsive membranes.

Adaptive & Self-Healing Matter

Intrinsic self-healing via reversible bonding (hydrogen bonds, metal-ligand).

Vitreous polymers (vitrimers) and malleable networks.

Shape-memory alloys and polymers.

Electronic & Photonic Functional Materials

Organic electronics (OLEDs, OFETs, organic photovoltaics).

Conductive supramolecular wires and molecular junctions.

Metamaterials and photonic crystals with tunable refractive indices.

4. Interrelated & Emergent Themes

These topics represent the interface where complexity, function, and systems overlap to create properties that individual components do not possess.

Emergence & Cooperativity

Emergent catalysis: Functions arising from molecular aggregates that single molecules cannot perform.

Phase separation and coacervation in biological and synthetic systems.

Symmetry breaking in chemical systems.

Bio-Inspired & Integrative Systems

Biomineralization (organic-inorganic interfaces).

Artificial photosynthesis and solar fuel assemblies.

Neuromorphic chemical sensing (mimicking neural networks with chemical pulses).

Characterization & Computational Tools

High-resolution imaging (AFM, Cryo-EM) of complex assemblies.

Multi-scale modeling (from DFT to coarse-grained molecular dynamics).

Machine learning for predicting emergent properties in chemical mixtures.

Name: EARET
Website: http://earet.org