Day 2 is over!
We are excited to see you again tomorrow for day 3, the final day of INASCON 2020.
-You can watch recordings of
day 1 and day 2 .

The new INASCON 2020

Due to the circumstances around COVID-19 we have decided to adapt INASCON 2020 to an online format. We firmly believe that the idea behind the nanoscience conference organized by students, together with its original purpose and ambitions, will become an event of learning, teaching and discussion of nanoscience topics. Anyone interested in these topics will be able to attend the conference from one’s home, and experience a brand new format that stays true to the INASCON spirit.

The shift toward a fully digital conference format has opened new doors for international participation in nanoscience discussions. Without the constraints of travel or physical venue capacity, researchers and students from around the world can now join sessions that were once limited to regional attendees. This broader reach enriches the exchange of ideas and brings diverse perspectives into every presentation and panel, creating a more inclusive environment for scientific dialogue and collaborative learning across borders and time zones.

Online poster sessions have been carefully designed to preserve the interactive spirit that makes academic gatherings so valuable. Presenters share their work through livestreamed displays and dedicated discussion channels, allowing attendees to ask questions and offer feedback in real time. This approach maintains the sense of discovery and spontaneous conversation that defines in-person poster halls, while adding the convenience of revisiting materials long after the scheduled session has concluded.

Nanoscience thrives at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and materials engineering, and the conference programme reflects this interdisciplinary character. Sessions explore how nanoscale phenomena influence everything from medical diagnostics to energy storage, offering attendees a comprehensive view of a field that resists narrow categorization. By bringing together specialists from varied backgrounds, the event fosters the kind of cross-pollination that drives innovation at the smallest scales.

The student-led nature of the conference remains one of its defining features, even in a virtual setting. When young researchers take ownership of organizing talks, curating topics, and moderating discussions, the result is a programme shaped by genuine curiosity rather than institutional convention. This grassroots approach gives early-career scientists a platform to build professional networks and develop skills that extend well beyond the laboratory or lecture hall.

A carefully curated schedule of livestreamed talks ensures that attendees can follow along from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Each session is structured to balance expert presentations with ample time for audience questions, preserving the two-way exchange that makes live events so engaging. Recordings are made available afterward, so participants never have to choose between overlapping sessions or worry about missing a key insight due to time zone differences.

The core themes of the conference span a wide range of nanoscience topics, from fundamental quantum effects to practical applications in medicine and sustainable technology. Speakers address how manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level can yield materials with extraordinary properties, and discussions often venture into the ethical and societal implications of these advances. This breadth ensures that both newcomers and seasoned researchers find content that speaks to their interests.

Adapting a traditionally in-person gathering to an online environment required rethinking every aspect of the attendee experience. The organizers approached this challenge with a commitment to preserving meaningful interaction, building virtual spaces where spontaneous conversations can still flourish. The result is a format that does not simply replicate a physical conference on screen, but instead embraces the unique possibilities that digital platforms offer for learning and connection.

The spirit of scientific inquiry that Richard Feynman championed resonates throughout the conference programme. His famous assertion that there is plenty of room at the bottom continues to inspire researchers who push the boundaries of what is possible at the nanoscale. The event channels this sense of wonder and possibility into sessions that celebrate both incremental progress and the bold questions that drive the field forward.

Behind every successful virtual conference lies a dedicated team of student organizers who handle everything from speaker coordination to technical support. Their efforts transform a simple livestream into a polished, engaging experience that rivals in-person events in depth and accessibility. This hands-on involvement gives students invaluable experience in event management and science communication, skills that complement their academic training.

As the conference unfolds across its scheduled days in August, participants can expect a steady rhythm of talks, discussions, and networking opportunities that mirror the energy of an on-site gathering. The digital format may be new, but the underlying mission remains unchanged: to create a space where anyone fascinated by nanoscience can learn, share ideas, and connect with a global community of like-minded researchers and enthusiasts.

"There's plenty of room at the bottom." - Richard Feynman