Iberian-German WE-Heraeus Seminar 2026

Topological Matter:

10 Years After the Nobel Prize

March 29 – April 2, 2026

March 29 – April 2, 2026

The Iberian-German WE-Heraeus Seminar 2026 will convene leading scientists and emerging researchers in topological matter to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics. The prize recognised groundbreaking theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter, with one half awarded to David J. Thouless and the other half jointly to F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz. The event will explore the frontier of this transformative research area, emphasising its significance for future technologies in quantum computing, spintronics and energy-efficient devices.

This seminar is organised under the prestigious auspices of the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, a major supporter of scientific advancement in the natural sciences.

Scientific Rationale

Topological materials—such as insulators, semimetals, and superconductors—represent one of the most vibrant frontiers in condensed matter physics. They host exotic quantum states with robustness against defects, offering novel functionalities across electronic, photonic, and mechanical systems.

This seminar will:

  • Assess progress and current challenges in topological matter.

  • Explore interdisciplinary convergence, including AI-assisted materials discovery.

  • Foster collaboration between leading institutions in Germany, Portugal, Spain, and beyond.

Focus and Impact

  • Unique thematic focus: Celebrate 10 years of Nobel-recognised science and its continuing impact.

  • Prestigious scientific program: Engage with world leaders in the field, including emerging talents.

  • Networking: Build connections across European and international scientific communities.

  • Professional development: Present posters, join discussions, and explore career-relevant topics in quantum materials.

Highlights

  • Five days of lectures, discussions, and poster sessions featuring 35 internationally recognised speakers.

  • Keynote Address by Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Duncan Haldane.

  • Panel Discussions on theoretical and experimental challenges, reproducibility, and scalability.

  • Topics include:

    • Topological insulators, semimetals & superconductors

    • Topological photonics and phononics

    • AI methods for materials discovery

Submit your abstract

Invited speakers

Preliminary Programme

  • Day 1 (Sunday 29th)

    16:30 - Arrival

    17:30 - Check-in

    18:30 - Welcome session

    19:30 - Honorary Lecture by Nobel Laureate Duncan Haldane

  • Day 2 (Monday 30th March)

    9:00 - Lecture1/Lecture2

    10:00 - Lecture3/Lecture4

    11:00 - Coffee break

    11:30 - Lecture5/Lecture6

    12:30 - Lunch (followed optionally by coffee/tea)

    14:00 - Lecture7/Lecture8

    15:00 - Lecture9/Lecture10

    16:00 - Coffee break

    16:30 - Lecture11/Lecture12

    17:30 - Lecture13/Lecture14

    18:30 - Dinner

  • Day 3 (Tuesday 31st March)

    9:00 - Breakfast at accommodation, Lecture15/Lecture16, Lecture19/Lecture23/Lecture24

    10:00 - Lecture17/Lecture18

    11:30 - Lecture19/Lecture20

    14:00 - Lecture21/Lecture22

    15:00 - Poster Flash

    16:30 - Poster session

  • Day 4 (Wednesday 1st April)

    9:00 - Lecture29/Lecture30

    10:00 - Lecture25/Lecture26

    11:30 - Lecture27/Lecture28

    14:00 - Excursion

    18:30 - Heraeus-Dinner

  • Day 5 (Thursday 2nd April)

    9:00 - Lecture31/Lecture

    11:30 - Lecture33/Lecture34

    14:00 - Departure

Call for Abstracts – Poster Session

The Iberian-German WE-Heraeus Seminar 2026 invites abstracts for poster presentations.

Our poster session will showcase cutting-edge research and emerging directions in topological materials, marking a decade of remarkable progress since the 2016 Nobel Prize. We welcome contributions from early-career researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and senior scientists alike.

Topics of interest include:

  • Topological insulators, semimetals, and superconductors

  • Topological photonics and phononics

  • AI-driven methods for materials discovery

This is a unique opportunity to present your work, engage directly with leading experts in the field, and forge international collaborations spanning Germany, Portugal, Spain, and beyond.

We warmly encourage researchers across the topological matter community to contribute and help shape the discussion on a decade of Nobel-recognised science and its enduring impact.

Abstract submission deadline: February 16th 

Submit your abstract here

Venue

The INL International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, located in Braga (North of Portugal), was founded by the governments of Portugal and Spain under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research and deploy and articulate nanotechnology for the benefit of society.

INL aims to become the worldwide hub for nanotechnology, addressing society’s grand challenges.

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

Av. Mestre José Veiga
4715-330 Braga | Portugal

+ www.inl.int

About the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation

Based in Germany, the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation is dedicated to advancing education and research in the natural sciences. Through fully-funded scientific events like this seminar, the Foundation plays a key role in nurturing international cooperation and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Visit Foundation Website

Let’s talk!

For any queries, please get in touch with the Conference Team. Fill in the form, and we will be in touch soon!

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

Av. Mestre José Veiga
4715-330 Braga | Portugal

+ www.inl.int