About
INASCON 2020
INASCON (International Nanoscience Student Conference) is an annual international academic conference about nanoscience. It is organized by students for students , academics, businesses, or anyone interested in nanoscience.
Rumor has it, that the very first INASCON of was held in Denmark 2007 and consisted of a few students who met over a few beers and talked about their shared joy of nanoscience. Since then, INASCON has grown by each year and gained both attention and appreciation all over Europe. The conference encourages students, PhD:s and professors in various fields of nanoscience to share both knowledge and inspiration and form networks over the borders of countries.
In Norway 2018, more than ten professors with research interest in nanoscience partook in the conference, including the 2016 and 2002 Nobel laureates in chemistry, Sir James Fraser Stoddart and Kurt Wüthrich respectively.
In 2019, INASCON went beyond the borders of Europe for the first time and visited Tsinghua University in Beijing, China!
This year, 2020 , INASCON will be held in Lund, Sweden! Rumor has it that the conference will be greater than ever before!
The conference consists of:
· Talks by invited top nanoscience speakers
· Workshops and group activities
· Talks and poster presentations by the attending students
· Social activities!
Thanks to its format, the conference offers participants several opportunities, including:
· Discover potential locations for internships at other universities
· Find inspiration for your Bachelor, Master or PhD project
· Meet and network with students from across the world
· Create contacts with nanotechnology companies for possible internships or jobs
Previous Conferences
2007
The first INASCON was held in Denmark.
2008
The second INASCON was held in Denmark.
2009
The third INASCON was held in Switzerland.
2010
The fourth INASCON was held in the Netherlands.
2011
The fifth INASCON was held in Denmark.
2012
The sixth INASCON was held in Germany.
2013
The seventh INASCON was held in England.
2014
The eighth INASCON was held in Denmark.
2015
The ninth INASCON was held in Switzerland.
2016
The tenth INASCON was held in the Netherlands.
2017
The eleventh INASCON was held in the UK.
2018
The twelfth INASCON was held in Norway.
2019
The thirteenth INASCON was held in China.
The INASCON experience has always been built around a simple but powerful idea: bringing together people who share a genuine curiosity about nanoscience. What began as a modest gathering of students has grown into a widely recognized annual event that draws participants from across Europe and beyond. The conference stays true to its student-organized roots, meaning the program is shaped by the very people who attend it. This gives every edition a fresh, energetic character while keeping the core mission intact: to offer a welcoming space where learning, teaching, and discussion happen naturally. Attendees often describe the atmosphere as both intellectually stimulating and warmly inclusive, a combination that keeps them coming back year after year.
Nanoscience touches nearly every corner of modern research and technology, and the conference program reflects that breadth. Topics span from fundamental questions about how matter behaves at the smallest scales to practical applications in medicine, materials, energy, and electronics. Presenters range from early-career students sharing their first results to established professors offering deep insight into their fields. This mix ensures that every session offers something for everyone, whether you are a specialist looking for the latest developments or a newcomer hoping to understand the basics. The result is a program that feels both comprehensive and accessible, encouraging participants to explore areas outside their immediate expertise.
One of the defining features of INASCON is its commitment to adapting to circumstances without losing its identity. When the global situation forced a shift to an online format, the organizers embraced the change with the same enthusiasm that has always characterized the conference. Livestreams, digital poster sessions, and recorded talks allowed participants from far-flung locations to join in ways that were previously impossible. The digital format opened new doors for international participation, making the conference more accessible than ever. Yet the spirit remained firmly intact, proving that the essence of INASCON is not tied to a particular venue but to the shared passion for nanoscience that unites everyone involved.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference thrives on the informal connections that form between participants. Coffee breaks, poster halls, and social gatherings have always been where some of the most valuable conversations happen. Students compare notes on their research, professors offer guidance, and collaborations begin that sometimes last for years. For many attendees, these moments are just as memorable as the talks themselves. The organizers understand this and design the schedule with plenty of room for interaction, ensuring that the conference feels like more than just a series of presentations. It becomes a genuine community experience, where participants leave not only with new knowledge but also with new friends and colleagues.
Looking ahead, INASCON remains firmly committed to its original purpose: serving as a platform where students can grow as researchers, presenters, and members of the scientific community. The conference offers a supportive environment for practicing talks, receiving constructive feedback, and building confidence in public speaking. At the same time, it continues to attract businesses and academics who value the fresh perspectives that student researchers bring. This blend of education, networking, and celebration of nanoscience keeps the event relevant year after year. As the conference evolves, it stays true to the spirit that has defined it from the very beginning, always adapting, always growing, and always welcoming anyone with an interest in the nanoworld.