The 3Bs Materials 2026 conference topics are as follow:

Bioinspired & Biomimetic Design

• Structural hierarchy and multifunctionality in biological materials
• Self-assembly and self-repair mechanisms
• Mechanobiology-inspired architectures
• Evolutionary and morphogenesis-inspired materials
• Design of adaptive and responsive bioinspired systems

Biomimetic Materials & Interfaces

• Biomimetic polymers, composites, and hybrid materials
• Functional coatings and surfaces mimicking adhesion, antifouling, or wettability
• Biointerfaces for cell-material interactions and tissue integration
• Dynamic and stimuli-responsive surfaces
• Bioinspired materials for implants, sensors, and medical devices

Adaptive & Intelligent Bioinspired Systems

• Soft robotics and morphing structures
• Biohybrid and living systems
• Bioelectronic and neuro-integrative materials
• Responsive actuators, sensors, and surfaces
• Materials capable of environmental adaptation or self-regulation

Computational & AI-Guided Biomimetics

• AI-driven biomaterials discovery and optimization
• Digital twins for materials and biological systems
• Multiscale modeling of bioinspired structures
• Generative design and simulation for biomimetic systems
• Integration of computational and experimental workflows

Translational & Functional Biomimetic Applications

• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Bioinspired drug delivery and therapeutic systems
• Implantable biomimetic scaffolds and sensors
• Wearable bioinspired devices and robotics
• Industrial and environmental applications of biomimetic materials

Biobased Materials & Sustainability

• Synthesis and Processing of Bio-Derived Polymers
• Advanced Natural Fiber Composites and Green Composites
• Biodegradation, Composting, and Material Circularity
• Bio-Renewable Feedstocks and Waste Valorization
• Sustainable Manufacturing and Green Chemistry

Cross-Cutting Horizons: Biomimetics Beyond Biology

• Ethics, societal impact, and regulatory considerations in biomimetics
• Design thinking and innovation inspired by nature
• Bioinspired approaches in architecture, art, and engineering
• Education and workforce development for biomimetics
• Responsible research and innovation (RRI) in bioinspired materials

EU Project Spotlight Workshops

As part of the event programme, we are pleased to present a dedicated series of EU Project Spotlight Workshops, highlighting key breakthroughs from selected EU-funded research and innovation projects.

These thematic workshops offer focused insights into project-specific technological roadmaps, showcasing cutting-edge advances across materials science, photonics, sustainability, and agri-tech.

Workshops Line-up

• AGRO4AGRI – Fostering the advanced and sustainable use of agrochemicals for resilient agriculture
• PHAntastic – Standardization of production and characterization methods for bio-based PHAs supporting sustainable packaging
• ViSS – Enabling a viable, safe, and sustainable PHBV value chain for food packaging applications
• ANIPH – Avoiding the negative impacts of plastic materials in humanitarian contexts

 

Horizon Europe project AGRO4AGRI: Pathways to Impact in Sustainable Agrochemistry: A 360° Innovation Approach from Lab to Market

Description: This 3-hour interactive workshop, hosted by the Horizon Europe project AGRO4AGRI, explores how innovation in safe and sustainable agrochemicals can be effectively managed from early research through to market uptake. AGRO4AGRI develops Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) solutions for plant nutrition and protection—combining controlled release systems based on inorganic and bio-based nanomaterials and RNAi-based biocontrol technologies to reduce agrochemical inputs by more than 50% while improving soil health and crop resilience.
The session will showcase a 360° innovation management approach, integrating scientific excellence, societal readiness, business modelling, and stakeholder engagement to demonstrate how AGRO4AGRI aligns technological progress with regulatory, economic, and societal impact pathways. Following expert presentations from the R&D and industry perspectives and focused on the development of innovative nanomaterials, participants will be active involved in a co-reflexion session, aiming to exchange ideas and knowledge regarding innovation barriers, enablers and policy needs for sustainable materials in agriculture.

Keywords: Safe and Sustainable by Design • Biobased Agrochemicals • Innovation Management • Impact Pathways • Biochar • Nanocellulose • RNAi Biocontrol • Stakeholder Engagement • Circular Bioeconomy

Joint Horizon Projects ViSS, PHAntastic, and ANIPH Workshop: Safe and Sustainable Bio-Based Polymers: From Design to End-of-Life in Circular Value Chains

The ViSS, PHAntastic, and ANIPH projects are joining forces to deliver a dedicated workshop on the development of safe, sustainable, and circular bio-based polymer solutions.

Description: This joint workshop will present recent advances in bio-based and biodegradable polymer materials developed within several European R&I projects, addressing the full value chain from material design and formulation to processing, application and end-of-life. The workshop will cover Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches, bio-based and biodegradable solutions for relevant sectors like agriculture, packaging, and medical applications, programmed biodegradation, advanced processing technologies (including 3D printing), and the role of digital tools such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and traceability systems. Policy, regulatory and standardisation challenges related to biodegradation in open environments will also be addressed. The workshop aims to foster cross-project exchange and dialogue with stakeholders on how bio-based polymer solutions can support the transition towards more circular, safe and sustainable polymer value chains.

The workshops are designed to promote direct interaction and collaboration between EU project consortia, researchers, and industrial stakeholders. Participants will gain first-hand insight into emerging standards, methodologies, and best practices that are expected to shape future industrial developments and regulatory frameworks.