Trade fairs, conferences and events

The application seminar “Plasma Technology for Optimized Adhesion” will take place on April 28, 2026, in Copenhagen and on April 29, 2026, in Vejle as a partner event with Tantec A/S, as well as on May 11 and 12, 2026, as a seminar organized by Fraunhofer IST at the Open Hybrid LabFactory in Wolfsburg. The focus will be on modern plasma and corona technologies for targeted surface activation and adhesion optimization. Topics covered will include the COAD® process, sustainable surface functionalization, process control, and current trends in plasma technology.

The Circularity Days 2026 conference will address key issues relating to sustainable, circular production. In an interdisciplinary exchange between industry and science, current research results, technological innovations, and strategic approaches to implementing circular value chains will be presented. The event thus offers a compact overview of developments, challenges, and solutions in the context of sustainable mobility and manufacturing systems. Fraunhofer CCEM is co-organizer of the conference. In addition, Fraunhofer IST will be represented with several presentations contributing to the conference programme.

The Salon der Wissenschaft (engl. Salon of Science) on June 3, 2026, in Braunschweig brings science and society into direct dialogue. In personal discussion rounds, researchers from the region talk with interested parties about current topics of the future. Dr. Philipp Farr represents Fraunhofer IST with the topic of precision optical coatings.

On June 9, 2026, Fraunhofer IST is hosting the 48th edition of the Industry Working Group on Tool Coatings and Cutting Materials (IAK) in Braunschweig. The event will focus on current developments in tool coating and machining technology for aircraft construction, including new tool and cutting concepts, the machining of lightweight and high-strength materials, as well as CVD diamond, plasma processes, and simulation. The IAK is organized by Fraunhofer IST in collaboration with Fraunhofer IPK, IWF at TU Berlin, and INPLAS e. V. On behalf of Fraunhofer IST, Dr. Sarah Baron will present CVD diamond coatings for machining with intermediate layers.

Sensor+Test 2026 is one of Europe's leading trade shows for sensor, measurement, and testing technology and will take place in Nuremberg from June 9 to 11, 2026. Fraunhofer IST will be represented in the Condition Monitoring Area, showcasing applications of thin-film sensor technology for condition monitoring and high-voltage-resistant thin-film sensors on electrical contact partners.

Fraunhofer IST is participating as a member institute of Fraunhofer ZESS in the Battery Show 2026. The trade show is one of Europe's leading trade shows for battery technologies, battery systems, and energy storage and is aimed at an international audience of experts from industry, research, and development. Fraunhofer ZESS will be represented together with other institutes at the Fraunhofer Battery Alliance booth.

The Lower Saxony Day is one of the state’s largest festivals and showcases the social, cultural, and scientific diversity of the state. At the Braunschweig Zone, Fraunhofer IST will be presenting its work alongside the Braunschweig Research Region, where it will introduce its research in surface engineering and thin films to a broad audience, showcase practical research, and provide insights into current solutions for business and society.

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 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.