Coatings 2026: Safe and Sustainable by Design Surface Treatment and Coatings
Coatings 2026: Safe and Sustainable by Design Surface Treatment and Coatings
Part of the Coatings series
22 December 2025
18 January 2026
20 February 2026
1 April 2026
16 March 2026
13 April 2026
Thermal Spraying, Thin Films, Composite Coatings, Light Alloys, Coatings, Additive Manufacturing
Welcome from the Chairs
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to welcome you to Coatings 2026: Safe and Sustainable by Design Surface Treatment and Coatings, which will take place in Athens, Greece, from 20–22 April 2026. This conference aims to bring together researchers, industry professionals, and experts from around the world to share the latest advancements, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations in the field of Surface Finishing.
The surface finishing industry faces growing challenges, including stricter environmental regulations such as REACH and the EU Green Deal, increasing demands for pollution control, and the need to adopt cleaner, more sustainable technologies. Balancing high performance with reduced environmental impact calls for a transition toward circular economy practices, smarter formulation and production tools, and the use of less toxic, bio-based materials. By joining forces across research, policy, and supply chains, we can create coatings that meet tomorrow’s standards while protecting our planet. Your presence and active contribution will be essential in shaping a more sustainable future for surface treatment.
Through keynote lectures, oral presentations, and poster sessions, our program is designed to offer an engaging platform for discussing cutting-edge research, emerging challenges, and future directions in the field.
We warmly encourage you to participate actively by presenting your work, joining discussions, and networking with fellow attendees. Beyond the scientific sessions, Athens offers a historic and vibrant setting to connect with colleagues while enjoying its rich culture and renowned cuisine.
We look forward to an inspiring and productive conference, and to welcoming you to Coatings 2026.
Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Luca Magagnin
Prof. Dr. Eugenia Valsami-Jones
Dr. Alexandros Zoikis Karathanasis
Conference Secretariat
Mr. Timothy Lee
Dr. Laura Pérez Martín
Dr. Ana Sanchis
Conference Email: coatings2026@mdpi.com
Join us on LinkedIn Events!
If you want to stay updated with the latest information, or if you want to connect with your fellow researchers before, during, and after the event, then be sure to join the Coatings 2026 LinkedIn Event.
See you there!
Follow the conversation on X with #coatings2026!
Event Chairs
“Giulio Natta” Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Prof. Magagnin is a Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano in the sections Chemical Engineering and Science and Materials Engineering. He is also President of the Italian Association of Metal Finishing (AIFM) and Board Member of the European Academy for Surface Treatments (EAST).
Among his research interests are the electrochemical and electroless deposition and the characterization of metallic, semiconductive, and dielectric films for microelectronics, surface treatments, and energy storage; the development of novel electrochemical processes for the practical fabrication of sensors and devices; and the investigation and optimization of electrochemical methods for the synthesis of nanostructures. Prof. Magagnin is also interested in, firstly, electrochemical processes for environmental remediation and, secondly, developing new redox flow batteries.
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, Prof. Valsami-Jones is Chair in Environmental Nanoscience and Director of the Facility for Environmental Nanoscience Analysis and Characterisation (FENAC). She is also Editor-in-Chief of Nanomaterials.
In her research, Prof. Valsami-Jones is interested in understanding reactivity at the nanoscale, particularly nanoparticles interacting with pollutants and biota and biomineralization processes. The interaction of various carbon- and metal-based nano-objects with biota in vitro and in vivo has been a focus of her work, and she has pioneered novel methods of labelling nanomaterials. She has also contributed to understanding the formation and stability of biogenic apatite.
Additionally, Prof. Valsami-Jones is a member of the Birmingham Plastics Network, an interdisciplinary team of more than 40 academics working together with the common goal of shaping the fate and sustainable future of plastics. This one-of-a-kind team consists of chemists, environmental scientists, philosophers, linguists, and economists, as well as experts from many other fields, in order to address the global plastics problem in a holistic manner.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Alexandros Zoikis Karathanasis has been actively involved in the surface finishing sector involving nanotechnology solutions. He acquired his PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens in the field of nano-composite electrodeposited coating in 2010, and since then, has participated in and coordinated multiple EC-funded research and industrial projects in the field of coatings utilizing the principles of green chemistry and environmental protection. He is the CEO of Creative Nano and an advisor/consultant to many technological companies, with a main expertise in the upscaling of lab-scale results to industrial processes. He has published over 30 scientific and technical papers as well as a patent in the nanotechnology field.
Sessions
S2. Advances in organic and hybrid coatings
S3. Advances in methods and equipment
S4. Surface finishing for additive manufacturing
S5. Application of the SSbD framework on the surface finishing industry
S6. Advances in thermal spraying
S7. Thin film technologies and applications
S8. Anodizing of light alloys
S9. AI tools and simulations
S10. Phasing out substances of concern from the surface finishing industry
Instructions for Authors
Coatings 2026 will accept abstracts only. The accepted abstracts will be available online on Sciforum.net during and after the conference. Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to contribute with a full manuscript to a Joint Special Issue related to the conference in the open-access journals Coatings and Nanomaterials with an 800 CHF discount on the publication fees.
The conference will be held fully in person; it is not possible to participate online.
Please note that abstract submission and conference registration are two separate processes. Please use your institutional email address for both processes.
To present your research at the event
- Create an account on Sciforum if you do not have one, and then click on ‘New Submission’ in the upper-right corner of the window; or, click on ‘Submit Abstract’ at the top of this webpage.
- Choose a session that is best suited for your research.
- Submit an abstract in English—the word limits are a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 300 words.
- The deadline to submit your abstract is 22 December 2025. You will be notified about its acceptance by 18 January 2026.
- Upon submission, you can select if you wish to be considered for oral or poster presentation (or both). Following assessment by the Chairs and Scientific Committee, you will be notified by 18 January 2026 whether your contribution has been accepted for oral or poster presentation.
- Please note that, in order to finalize the scientific program in due time, at least one registration by any of the authors, denoted as the Covering Author, is required to cover the presentation and publication of any accepted abstract. The Covering Author registration deadline is 16 March 2026. Your abstract will be withdrawn if your registration is not complete by this date.
Oral presentations
Invited talks will be 30 minutes long, including questions (25-minute oral presentation + 5-minute Q&A). Short talks will be 15 minutes long, including questions (10-minute oral presentation + 5-minute Q&A). Please ensure that your slides are formatted in a widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio.
Poster presentations
Each presenter will be provided with a vertical poster board. Maximum poster size is limited to A0: 84 x 120 cm / 33 x 47 in (width x height) in the vertical orientation (portrait). Please print your poster prior to the conference. A plan for the poster session will be circulated later. For suggestions on poster design, click the button below.
Registration
The conference will be held fully in person; it is not possible to participate online. The registration fee includes attendance at all conference sessions, morning/afternoon coffee breaks, lunches, a conference bag, and a program book. One single registration covers up to one oral and one poster submission. Participation in the conference is considered final only once the registration fees have been paid. The number of participants is limited: once the number of paid registrations reaches the maximum number of participants, unpaid registrations will be canceled.
When registering, please provide us with your institutional email address. This will accelerate the registration process.
Important Information
Please note that abstract submission and conference registration are two separate processes. During registration, please provide us with the same email address you used to submit your abstract(s). Otherwise, leave us a comment in the registration form, providing the email address used during the submission process. In addition, please use your institutional email address for both processes. If you are registering several people under the same registration order, please do not use the same email address for each person but their individual institutional email addresses. Thank you for your understanding.
In order to finalize the scientific program in due time, at least one registration by any of the authors, denoted as the Covering Author, is required to cover the presentation and publication of any accepted abstract. The Covering Author registration deadline is 16 March 2026. Your abstract will be withdrawn if your registration is not complete by this date.
Participants of the event will be able to download an electronic Certificate of Attendance by accessing their dashboards on Sciforum.net once the event is concluded. The certificates will be found under the "My Certificates" category.
Partnering Societies
Members from partnering societies are granted a 20% discount on all registration fees. Please ask the society representative for a discount code to activate your registration discount, or ensure that you provide us with proof of your membership in one of our partnering societies. Are you part of a society that isn't partnering with the conference? Contact us to discuss a possible partnership!
Group Registration
Groups of five or more attendees are offered a 10% discount on the registration fees. To enjoy this discount, you need to complete one multiple registration by selecting the number of people attending in each category (type of registration) during the first step of the registration process. Please note that no other discounts will be applicable.
Registration Fees
|
Early Bird Until 20 February 2026 |
Regular Until 31 March 2026 |
Late From 1 April 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | 500.00 EUR | 600.00 EUR | 650.00 EUR |
| Undergraduate Student | 200.00 EUR | 300.00 EUR | 300.00 EUR |
| Graduate student | 250.00 EUR | 350.00 EUR | 350.00 EUR |
| EBM/GE | 350.00 EUR | 450.00 EUR | 500.00 EUR |
| Authors/Reviewers | 400.00 EUR | 500.00 EUR | 550.00 EUR |
| Non-Academic | 600.00 EUR | 700.00 EUR | 750.00 EUR |
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Conference Dinner | 60.00 EUR |
Cancellation policy
| Cancellation of paid registration is possible under the terms listed below: | |
| > 2 months before the conference | Full refund but 100 EUR is retained for administration |
| > 1 month before the conference | Refund 50% of the applying fees |
| > 2 weeks before the conference | Refund 25% of the applying fees |
| < 2 weeks before the conference | No refund |
Disclaimer
In the unlikely event that MDPI deems it necessary to cancel the conference, all pre-paid registration fees will be reimbursed. MDPI shall not be liable for reimbursing the cost of travel or accommodation arrangements made by individual delegates.
Insurance
The organizers do not accept liability for personal accident, loss, or damage to private property incurred as a result of participation in Coatings 2026. Delegates are advised to arrange appropriate insurance to cover travel, cancellation, or medical costs, and theft or damage of belongings.
MDPI Conference Admissions Policy
- All registered conference delegates are asked to always wear their badges throughout the conference.
- Conference sessions, the catering area, and the poster area are solely restricted to badge holders. Any person attending these areas without a badge will be asked to leave the premises.
- Badge holders must not allow their badges to be worn by anyone else. Any failure to do so is likely to lead to the badge holder and the person wearing the badge being removed from the premises.
- Press badges are restricted to publishers, editors, journalists, broadcasters, and web bloggers associated with the conference subject area. Members of the press may be asked to produce accreditation in the form of a photocopy of a recognized press or media card, a business card, a letter from the editor, or an official web address linking to a press release in order to verify their position.
- Photographs and videos may be taken during the conference. Anyone attending the conference consents to such photography and filming without compensation and confirms that the Organizers shall be entitled to use such photographs and videos, which may include photographs and videos of visitors, for the purpose of marketing the conference in the future and for exploitation in any and all media, without liability.
Payment methods
Wire transfer, Credit card
Currencies accepted by this event
Swiss francs (CHF) , Euros (EUR) , US dollars (USD) , Pounds sterling (GBP) , Japanese yen (JPY) , Canadian dollars (CAD) and Singapore dollars (SGD)
Publication Options
Overview
- All accepted abstracts will be available online in Open Access form on Sciforum.net during and after the conference.
- Furthermore, there will be an opportunity to submit a full manuscript to the dedicated Joint Special Issue of the conference, with an 800 CHF discount on the publication fees.
Joint Special Issue
All scholars and experts in the fields of coatings and nanomaterials are cordially invited to contribute a full manuscript to the conference's Joint Special Issue in the journals Coatings and Nanomaterials, to be published after the event!
Once the website for the Joint Special Issue is ready, we will share the link HERE.
Coatings is indexed in Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, Ei Compendex, CAPlus/SciFinder, and other databases, and has an Impact Factor of 2.8 (2024) and a 5-year Impact Factor of 3.0 (2024).
Nanomaterials is indexed in Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus/SciFinder, Inspec, and other databases, and has an Impact Factor of 4.3 (2024) and a 5-year Impact Factor of 4.7 (2024).
The Special Issue, titled "Coatings 2026: Safe and Sustainable by Design Surface Treatment and Coatings," will showcase the cutting-edge research presented at the conference, and is a broadly reaching platform with which to share your findings with a diverse readership in the coating science community.
Discount on Publication Fees for Attendees of Coatings 2026
Attendees of Coatings 2026 are eligible for an 800 CHF discount on publication fees when submitting to this Special Issue.
Please note that no other discounts will be applicable, and that submission acceptance and conference attendance are required to be eligible for the publication fee discount.
Venue, Travel and Accommodation
Venue
Athens
Athens is the historic and vibrant capital of Greece, where ancient wonders meet modern delights. Steeped in rich history and mythology, Athens is a city that beckons visitors with its timeless allure.
Explore iconic landmarks such as the majestic Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands proudly, offering breathtaking views of the city. Immerse yourself in the city's ancient past at the National Archaeological Museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts from Greece's ancient civilizations. Stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, lined with picturesque streets, traditional tavernas, and quaint shops. Experience the lively atmosphere of Monastiraki Square, bustling with vibrant markets and enticing street food.
For art enthusiasts, the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art showcase magnificent Greek art spanning centuries. Athens also boasts a vibrant contemporary art scene, with numerous galleries and exhibitions.
Indulge in Greek cuisine at the city's renowned restaurants, savoring traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, accompanied by locally produced wines and spirits.
Athens' warm Mediterranean climate offers the perfect backdrop for wandering through the city, from the ancient Agora to the beautifully landscaped National Gardens. As you explore this captivating city, you'll find that Athens seamlessly blends its glorious past with its dynamic present.
Wyndham Grand Athens
We are excited to host the Coatings 2026 conference at the Wyndham Grand Athens, a welcoming and stylish venue situated in the heart of the city. Just a few steps away from some of Athens’ most iconic sights, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with everything you need under one roof. From comfortable meeting spaces to beautiful views of the Acropolis, it is the perfect place to connect, share ideas, and be inspired. We can’t wait to welcome you there!
Address: Megalou Alexandrou 2, 104 37 Athens
Access:
- 3-minute walk from 'Metaxourgeio' Metro Station (M2/Red Line).
- 16-minute walk from “Thiseio” Train Station (M1/Green Line); or 17-minute walk from “Monastiraki” Metro Station (M3/Blue Line & M1/Green Line).
- 23-minute walk from 'Syntagma' Metro Station (M3/Blue Line & M2/Red Line).
- The following bus lines have routes that pass near the venue: 057, 790, 031, 051, A15, and B15.
Travel
By plane:
Athens is easily accessible by air, with the Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH) serving as the primary gateway to the city. Located just 35 kilometers east of the city center, it offers excellent connectivity to major destinations worldwide. Numerous international airlines operate direct flights to Athens from various cities across the globe, making it convenient for conference attendees to reach the vibrant capital.
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, attendees can easily access the city center through the following transportation options:
To the city center:
- By metro: The airport provides a direct metro connection, with the M3 (Blue Line), departing towards Nikaia twice an hour, offering a quick and efficient journey to central Athens. Depending on the location of your hotel, after a 40-minute ride, you can get off at the stop 'Syntagma' or the stop 'Monastiraki'. For the conference venue, get off at the 'Evangelismos' stop. A one-way ticket costs EUR 9 and can be purchased at the airport metro station. The last metro from the airport leaves around 11:30 pm.
- By taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, providing a comfortable and convenient way to reach your accommodation. The ride will take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxis heading to the city center operate on a standard fare: EUR 35 during the daytime (from 5:00 am to midnight) and EUR 49 at night. Additional charges may apply. You will find the taxis directly opposite the arrivals hall at Exit 3, but you can also book this transfer in advance. Some VTC apps that work in Athens are Uber, FREE NOW, Bolt, and Beat, and might offer cheaper rates.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel |
Description |
Booking Page |
 |
|
 |
 |
Royal Olympic Hotel
|
|
 |
Amazon Hotel Athens
|
|
 |
The Modernist Athens
|
|
 |
President Hotel
|
|
 |
Acron Athens Hotel
|
|
Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations
Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register for Coatings 2026, and that we are not associated with any hotel agencies. While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with Coatings 2026 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.
Visa Information
Please note that you must apply for your own visa. MDPI is not responsible for any part of the visa application process for attendees. However, MDPI can provide a Visa Support Letter. To be eligible for such a document, the criteria below must be fulfilled.
Visa Support Letter
- Applicant must have paid for registration and submitted an abstract in order to receive a letter of support.
- Applicant must provide us with a scan of their valid, in-date passport that contains a photo of them.
- Applicant must provide us with a letter of support from their institution to confirm that it supports the delegate attending the meeting.
- This must be carried out in good time before the meeting; "last-minute" requests will not be processed.
More useful information on visa application
Event Awards
To recognize the outstanding works presented during our conference, we are excited to announce five awards for our participants. Sponsored by the journal Coatings, we will offer a Best Oral Presentation Award, two Best Poster Awards, and two Early Career Researcher Awards.
The award winners will be selected by the Selection Committee after evaluation of all selected talks and posters presented at the conference.
The Awards
Number of Awards Available: 1
Prize: EUR 500
Number of Awards Available: 2
Prize: EUR 200
Number of Awards Available: 2
Prize: EUR 300
Affiliated MDPI Conferences
Pining for more content and congresses on Coating Science to build on our meeting in Athens for Coatings 2026? Our various partnered MDPI conferences have you covered.
These events feature frontline experts in their respective fields, and explore their own unique tracks on the cutting edge of coatings.
Upcoming events:
For more information on these conferences, click the banners to visit their sites and contact their respective Secretariats.
Partnership Opportunities
Sponsoring
We invite you and your company to showcase your brand to a diverse audience of professionals and become a vital part of Coatings 2026. Explore our sponsorship opportunities and join us in shaping the future of coating-related research and innovation.
From branding in highly visible conference materials and events to an exclusive presentation opportunity, find the perfect sponsorship package tailored to your needs in our sponsorship brochure by clicking the button below.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss any further options, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Secretariat. Connect with us today to secure your spot and maximize your impact.
Society Collaboration
Are you part of a society and interested in Coatings 2026? Contact us at coatings2026@mdpi.com to discuss a media partnership where your society members can access a 20% discount on all registration fees!
Sponsors and Partners
Co-organizers
Platinum Sponsors
Media Partners
