Five Nobel laureates, a tradition spanning over thirty years, and scientists from the world’s leading universities—the international ECOpole conference returns to the Technical University of Liberec from December 9–11, 2026. This 35th edition will bridge environmental research with innovative technologies, semiconductor materials, and industrial innovations. In addition to the scientific community, the event will also provide a platform for companies and students.
The ECOpole conference was established in 1992 in Opole, Poland, and has since become a well-established international gathering for experts in environmental chemistry, technology, and sustainability. Its history includes presentations by Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry, such as Harold Kroto, Gerhard Ertl, Ada Yonath, Arieh Warshel, and Paul Crutzen.
It was in Liberec that ECOpole first took place outside of Poland. At that time, scientists from Europe and Asia focused on the interconnections between water, food, and energy. This year’s edition—organized by the Technical University of Liberec through its research institute, CXI TUL—shifts the focus toward the semiconductor industry and its associated environmental challenges.
Chips Are More Than Just Silicon
Semiconductor manufacturing requires exceptionally pure materials, vast quantities of ultra-pure water, specialized chemicals, and energy-intensive technologies. It is here that materials research intersects with environmental chemistry and issues of sustainability.
„Liberec doesn’t need to compete with Dresden. It can serve as the neighboring hub that provides know-how, technologies, services, and graduates,“ explains Stanisław Wacławek, Head of the Department of Environmental Chemistry at CXI TUL and the conference organizer.
The proximity to Dresden—one of Europe’s premier centers for microelectronics—combined with the industrial heritage of the Liberec Region and established ties to Polish and German research institutions, creates opportunities for new collaborations. The conference aims to bring scientists, technology companies, and regional development representatives together at the same table.
Global Science, Industry, and Young Researchers
This year’s keynote speakers include Professor Richard N. Zare from Stanford University and Professor Martin Pumera from CEITEC BUT (Brno University of Technology). The conference will welcome experts from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
The three-day program features plenary lectures, expert discussions, a poster session for young researchers, technical site visits, and presentations by companies from the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. A key focus is also on fostering connections between universities and the industrial sector.
„ECOpole is large enough to be engaging, yet small enough that you can genuinely speak with everyone—including the speakers,“ says Stanisław Wacławek.
The organizers consider face-to-face interaction—and the potential to transform professional discussions into concrete collaborations—to be one of the conference’s greatest benefits. ECOpole’26 will take place from December 9–11, 2026, in buildings G and L at the Technical University of Liberec. Students who are not submitting a presentation may attend the lectures and the accompanying concert free of charge.
Registration is open until November 15, 2026.
For more information and registration, visit: https://ecopole-conference.com/
