·       From 17 to 22 May, Gandia hosts the 19th edition of the European School on Molecular Nanoscience (ESMolNa) alongside the 3rd European School on Advanced Materials (ESAM)

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the University of Valencia is hosting the 19th edition of the European School on Molecular Nanoscience (ESMolNa), together with the 3rd edition of the European School on Advanced Materials (ESAM), in Gandia (Valencia) from 17 to 22 May. This multidisciplinary event brings together international specialists in molecular nanoscience and advanced materials to promote the exchange of knowledge between established researchers and the next generation of scientists.

The opening to the event was led by Eugenio Coronado, professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Valencia and director of ICMol-UV, who delivered the official welcome. Physicists, chemists, engineers, biotechnologists and other specialists in nanoscience and advanced materials are taking part in ESMolNa & ESAM 2026, a forum aimed primarily at postgraduate students, doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers. Throughout the week, attendees will be sharing experiences with leading figures in international research.

The gathering addresses current challenges in these fields including supramolecular chemistry, molecular electronics, molecular magnetism and multifunctional materials, with applications in quantum technologies, spintronics, nanoelectronics, energy, information technology, healthcare and the environment.

This year’s edition focuses on the synergies between molecular nanoscience and advanced materials, fostering new scientific collaborations. It also examines the current state of these fields and encourages direct interaction between European research groups and early-career researchers.

In parallel, the 12th Workshop on 2D Materials (W2DM2026) will be held on 21 and 22 May, dedicated to discussing the present and future of graphene and other two-dimensional materials.

ESAM also represents the most significant training activity within the Advanced Materials Programme of the Complementary Plans, an initiative jointly promoted by the Spanish Government and the regional governments that has recently concluded. This initiative will continue to be organised even after the Programme’s completion. Eugenio Coronado, head of the Programme, is actively involved in promoting the initiative, which reinforces its strategic importance at national level. Most of the Programme’s coordinators from different autonomous communities are expected to participate, further strengthening its collaborative dimension and interregional scope.

ESMolNa & ESAM 2026 form part of two inter-university master’s degrees coordinated by ICMol-UV in Molecular Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and in Advanced Materials, respectively. Once again this year, the event aims to consolidate its position as a leading forum for scientific dialogue, specialised scientific training and the creation of collaborative networks among researchers from across Europe in these strategic fields.