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.

Key information

Conference Venue: Hotel Jagdschloss Niederwald, Rüdesheim, Germany (how to reach).

Accommodation: Invited speakers will have rooms reserved at the venue hotel based on their registration forms. Participants are kindly asked to arrange their own accommodation.

Poster: Participants can apply with an abstract for a poster slot.

Language: The lenguage of the symposium is English.

Meals: Lunches, dinners and coffee breaks will take place at the venue.

Abstract book: Names, institution addresses and email addresses will be published in the abstracts book that is handed out to all participants.

Photographs may be taken during the symposium which subsequently may be published on the Beilstein-Institut website and in our social media channels.

Conference program

Monday, May 4: Arrival, welcome reception (7 pm), dinner.

Tuesday, May 5: Full day of scientific talks, poster session.

Wednesday, May 6: Scientific talks and excursion in the afternoon.

Thursday, May 7: Full day of scientific talks.

Friday, May 8: Departure after breakfast.

The talks will be scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm.

The scientific program will be posted here in due time; it will also include the poster session schedule.

For Speakers

For Participants

Funding Opportunities:

Conference Grant available, for more information, click here.