Trade fairs, conferences and events

HIPIMS 2026 is an international conference on high-power impulse magnetron sputtering and plasma-based surface technologies, taking place from June 15 to 18, 2026, in Sheffield, UK. It is being organized with the participation of Fraunhofer IST and brings together science and industry. Fraunhofer IST will also be represented with several contributions to the conference and course program.

The international conference Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies (FM&NT 2026) will take place in Riga, Latvia, from June 15 to 18, 2026. The conference will focus on current developments in functional materials, nanotechnologies, energy applications, photonics, sensor technology, and thin-film and coating technologies. Fraunhofer IST will be represented by a presentation from Dr. Volker Sittinger and will present hybrid SALD–PVD approaches for electron contact layers in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.

The bonding Firmenkontaktmesse (engl.: company contact trade show) will connect students with around 100 companies from various industries on the campus of the Technical University of Braunschweig. In addition to company booths, the trade show offers a diverse supporting program with application services, lectures, and career counseling. The Fraunhofer IST will also be there on June 17, 2026, providing information about career and entry-level opportunities at the institute.

The OptecNet Annual Conference 2026 will bring together stakeholders from industry, research, and networks in the photonics sector. The event, which also marks the 25th anniversary of OptecNet Deutschland e.V., will discuss current technology trends in areas such as smart manufacturing, medicine and life sciences, and sustainability. Fraunhofer IST will participate in the accompanying exhibition with its own booth on optical and electronic systems.

On June 17, 2026, the 36th meeting of the INPLAS Working Group will take place at Fraunhofer IST, with the aim of strengthening the exchange between industry and research in plasma surface technology and promoting collaboration. The focus will be on current developments in plasma sources, coating processes, and applications. The program includes technical presentations, discussions, and lab tours. Dr. Philipp Farr will present new approaches to industrial precision coating on the EOSS platform.

The SWEB Summer School on Functional Coatings and X-Chromic Materials will take place in Riga on June 19–20, 2026, and is aimed at professionals in research, development, and application. Fraunhofer IST will be represented by Dr. Volker Sittinger, who will present on the optical determination of the dielectric constants of various materials, such as C60 and SnO₂.

The seminar “Industrielle Bauteilreinigung verstehen – Produktqualität sichern” (engl.: “Understanding Industrial Component Cleaning – Ensuring Product Quality”) imparts practical knowledge on optimizing cleaning processes and ensuring product quality. It is aimed at specialists in process, procedure, and coating technology, those responsible for cleaning processes and quality assurance, as well as production and product engineers. The event is being held at Fraunhofer IST in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Cleaning Division, Fraunhofer FEP, and the INPLAS competence network.

Transfernale 2026 will stop in Goslar on August 25 at H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders GmbH, bringing together stakeholders from the fields of science, business, and politics in the Braunschweig-Wolfsburg region to discuss future-oriented topics and strengthen cooperation. The focus will be on sustainable value chains and innovative recycling solutions. A panel discussion with experts will shed light on current developments and challenges. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sabrina Zellmer will contribute her expertise in the field of sustainable battery and hydrogen systems.

The Nacht der Bewerber (engl.: Night of Applicants) will take place on August 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and offers high school and college students the opportunity to learn about training and study opportunities at around 80 companies. Fraunhofer IST will also be there to provide information about apprenticeships and entry-level opportunities for students. The institute offers a variety of ways to gain early practical experience in research, technology, and administration through apprenticeships, theses, internships, or assistant positions, and to actively participate in developing sustainable solutions for surfaces, coatings, and modern production systems.

PSE 2026 is one of the leading international conferences for plasma, vacuum, and surface technologies and is considered a central international meeting place for science and industry in this field of technology. Fraunhofer IST will participate in the INPLAS joint Fraunhofer booth and present current research and application solutions in the fields of tribology, corrosion and sensor technology, optical and electronic systems, and circular products and processes. In addition, Fraunhofer IST will contribute to the scientific program of PSE 2026 with several presentations, posters, and tutorials.