Scientific Committee:
Bert Meijer / Eindhoven University of Technology
Tanja Weil / Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Stay tuned #BeilsteinDesigningMatter2026
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Designing Dynamic Matter: Frontiers in Supramolecular Systems
Beilstein Organic Chemistry Symposium 2026
May 5 – 7, 2026
Hotel Jagdschloss Niederwald, Rüdesheim, Germany
Topics Symposium 2026
Supramolecular chemistry has evolved into a vibrant and interdisciplinary field, offering powerful design principles to create complex, dynamic, and functional systems. The Beilstein Symposium “Designing Dynamic Matter – Frontiers in Supramolecular Systems” will bring together researchers working at the forefront of this rapidly expanding area to discuss how supramolecular strategies are shaping new directions in chemistry, materials science, and the life sciences. The program will explore how molecular systems can recapitulate or mimic hallmarks of life through bottom-up design approaches. Topics include synthetic and minimal cells, protocell evolution, artificial molecular machines, and systems capable of adaptation, autonomous behaviour, and information processing. These contributions offer new perspectives on the origin of life and the construction of life-like systems from non-living matter. A strong emphasis will be placed on biomaterials and biologically inspired assemblies. Discussions will highlight supramolecular hydrogels, nanostructured scaffolds, and bio-responsive materials with applications in regenerative medicine, immune engineering, and targeted drug delivery. These approaches showcase the deepening integration of supramolecular chemistry with biological function and therapeutic design.
The symposium will also address pressing societal challenges through the development of functional and sustainable materials. Contributions will span adaptive materials, supramolecular catalysts, degradable systems, and smart assemblies for energy and environmental applications. This theme underscores the potential of supramolecular design in advancing green chemistry and sustainable technologies. Emerging work on out-of-equilibrium systems and chemical information processing will form another major theme.
From dissipative self-assembly and transient structures to chemically fuelled reaction networks and soft robotics, the symposium will feature pioneering research on systems that operate far from equilibrium—capable of computation, motion, and self-regulation. Complementing these applied areas, a foundational track will focus on the core concepts of supramolecular chemistry. Topics include noncovalent interactions, molecular recognition, self-assembly, chirality, and multicomponent systems, as well as advances in modelling and simulation. This session will highlight efforts to achieve greater control, predictability, and function in increasingly complex molecular systems. Together, these themes will create a rich and engaging program that reflects the diversity and innovation of supramolecular science, while offering a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and discovery.
The symposium will cover, but is not limited to the following themes:
/ The origin of life and synthetic cells
/ Molecular machines and out-of-equilibrium systems
/ Supramolecular materials for sustainability
/ Biomaterials and the interactions with cells
/ Molecular computing
/ Machine learning and AI in multi-components systems
/ Fundamental supramolecular systems
Scientific Program
The program is subject to change.
Tuesday,
May 5
9:00
Welcome and Opening
Beilstein Institut
9:20
Supramolecular polymerization for a sustainable future
Takuzo Aida / University of Tokyo, Japan
10:00
Assembly code for supramolecular peptide materials and systems
Rein V. Ulijn / Advanced Science Research Center, USA
10:40
Poster Lightning Talks #1 (1-5)
11:05
Coffee break
11:20
Supramolecular assemblies inspired by nature and beyond
Helma Wennemers / ETH Zürich, Switzerland
12:00
The chemistry of supramolecular materials and systems: from responsiveness to adaptation
Ghislaine Vantomme / Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
12:40
Poster Lightning Talks #2 (6-10)
13:05
Lunch
14:30
Giving chemistry direction
David A. Leigh / University of Manchester, UK
15:10
Poster Lightning Talks #3 (11-15)
15:35
Coffee break
16:00
Biological mechanoradicals: new kids on the block
Frauke Gräter / Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Germany
16:40
Poster Lightning Talks #4 (16-20)
17:05
Poster Session
19:30
Dinner
Wednesday,
May 6
9:00
Opening
9:05
Dissipative self-assembly by chemical fuels and/or light
Thomas M. Hermans / IMDEA Nanoscience, Spain
9:45
Supramolecular ion receptors for transmembrane transport
Hennie Valkenier / Free University of Brussels, Belgium
10:25
Dynamic supramolecular hydrogels for ECM mimicry and antitumor vaccination
Pol Besenius / Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
11:05
Conference Photo & Coffee break
11:40
Designing key modules for minimal biological cells
Petra Schwille / Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, German
12:20
From design of supramolecular monomers to unexpected supramolecular polymer behavior – possibilities for cell and organoid cultures
Patricia Y.W. Dankers / Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
13:00
Lunch
14:00
Excursion
19:30
Dinner
Thursday,
May 7
9:00
Opening
9:05
Information processing in chemical reaction networks
Wilhelm T. S. Huck / Radboud University, Netherlands
9:45
Dynamic supramolecular polymeric biomaterials: From molecular design to interactions with living systems
João Borges / University of Aveiro, Portugal
10:25
Mechanochemical regulation of artificial molecular motors
Nathalie Katsonis / University of Groningen, Netherlands
11:05
Coffee break
11:40
Non-covalent synthesis of carbohydrate-based macromolecules
Guosong Chen / Fudan University, China
12:20
Shaping cellular outcomes with site-directed supramolecular assemblies
David Y.W. Ng / Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Germany
13:00
Lunch
14:30
Architectural control in polymer-based artificial cells
Jan van Hest / Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
15:10
Dynamic enzymatic assembly of large-ring cyclodextrins and other unusual cyclic glycans
Sophie R. Beeren / Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
15:50
Coffee break
16:20
Carbohydrate foldamers and assemblies
Martina Delbianco / Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Germany
17:00
The art of building small
Ben L. Feringa / University of Groningen, Netherlands
17:40
Closing Remarks
19:30
Dinner
Confirmed Speakers
Takuzo Aida / University of Tokyo, Japan
Sophie R. Beeren / Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
Pol Besenius / Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
João Borges / University of Aveiro, Portugal
Guosong Chen / Fudan University, China
Martina Delbianco / Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Germany
Ben L. Feringa / University of Groningen, Netherlands
Subi J. George / JNCASR, India
Frauke Gräter / Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Germany
Thomas M. Hermans / IMDEA Nanoscience, Spain
Wilhelm Huck / Radboud University, Netherlands
Nathalie Katsonis / University of Groningen, Netherlands
David A. Leigh / University of Manchester, UK
David Y.W. Ng / Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Germany
Petra Schwille / Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Germany
Rein V. Ulijn / Advanced Science Research Center, USA
Jan van Hest / Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
Hennie Valkenier / Free University of Brussels, Belgium
Ghislaine Vantomme / Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
Helma Wennemers / ETH Zürich, Switzerland
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Stay tuned #BeilsteinDesigningMatter2026