We are pleased to welcome you to the 35th Annual Conference of the European Society of Biomaterials (ESB), which will take place in the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium, from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Bringing together over 1,000 participants from across Europe and beyond, ESB 2026 will be a key gathering for researchers, clinicians, engineers, and industry professionals working in the broad field of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. The conference will provide a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment where participants can explore new scientific developments, exchange ideas, and spark collaborations that drive innovation forward.
This edition of the ESB meeting is hosted at the Flanders Meeting and Convention Center Antwerp (FMCCA), also known as the “Room with a Zoo.” Located in the heart of the city, the venue offers modern conference infrastructure in a unique setting adjacent to one of the world’s oldest zoological gardens.
A central mission of ESB 2026 is to foster interaction across disciplines, from basic research to clinical translation and industrial application. In line with this, the scientific program will offer a rich and forward-looking agenda, addressing critical developments across a wide range of topics, including:
Biomaterials across tissues and diseases
Medical device design and engineering
Enabling technologies for improved biomaterial research and smoother translation
Biomaterial-driven tissue regeneration and aging
Biomaterial responses in a pathological environment
Bio-inspired and biomimetic materials
Additive manufacturing for regenerative medicine purposes
Biomaterials translated to the clinic (with attention for regulatory aspects)
Biomaterials in industry: how to get there and how to stay there
Sustainability in biomaterials research
Biomaterials and artificial intelligence
Enabling technologies
In silico tools for biomaterial design and optimisation
Biomaterials as key components of microphysiological systems
Beyond the regular sessions, ESB 2026 will feature plenary lectures, invited talks, award sessions, and poster presentations. Input from the broader ESB community will also shape the program through a Call for Symposia. Special workshops will be organized in collaboration with the Young Scientist Forum (YSF), including sessions on scientific communication and soft skills development, alongside regulatory and translational themes.
Organized by members of the Belgian Society for Tissue Engineering, the event will also provide a platform for national biomaterials chapters to connect, exchange best practices, and strengthen cross-border collaborations.
We are convinced that ESB 2026 will not only showcase the latest breakthroughs in the field but also provide fertile ground for the next generation of biomaterials research. We warmly invite you to be a part of it, to learn, share, and help shape the future of biomaterials science.
