26th LISBON World Congress on Chemical Complexity, Functional Matter & Molecular Systems: C3FM2S-26

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.