Nanochemistry Camp 2026

The I.S.E.O. Foundation, the University of Brescia, and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Brescia hosted the third edition of the NanoChemistry Camp, an international summer school dedicated to nanochemistry and designed for master’s students, PhD candidates, and young researchers in chemistry and related disciplines.

Held from 19 to 26 September 2026 at Camping del Sole on the shores of Lake Iseo, the Camp brought together 36 young researchers from 15 countries, creating an international and interdisciplinary environment for scientific exchange, discussion, and community building. The informal setting of Camping del Sole provided a unique backdrop for a week combining advanced scientific training with opportunities to connect with fellow researchers and discover the surrounding area.

The scientific programme featured lectures by eight internationally renowned experts: Jean-Pierre Sauvage (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2016), Timothy Craggs (University of Sheffield), Silvia Giordani (Dublin City University), Barbara Hissa (Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology), Oldamur Hollóczki (University of Debrecen), Aitor Mugarza Ezpeleta (Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology), Gianfranco Pacchioni (University of Milano-Bicocca), and María Sancho Albero (University of Zaragoza). Their lectures explored different areas of nanochemistry, from molecular machines and single-molecule manipulation to nanocatalysis, nanomaterials for medicine, nanoplastics, nanoelectronics, and the broader relationship between nanoscience and society.

A highlight of the week was the lecture by Jean-Pierre Sauvage, whose pioneering work on molecular machines earned him the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His contribution to the Camp offered participants the opportunity to discuss the development and future perspectives of molecular machines directly with one of the scientists who helped establish this field.

The Camp also provided several opportunities for participants to present and discuss their own research. During the lakefront Poster Session, young researchers presented their work to their peers and professors, encouraging scientific exchange and discussion beyond the classroom. At the Gala Dinner at Berlucchi winery, six participants received the Best Poster Award, supported by Fondazione Alessandra Bono, in recognition of the quality and originality of their research. Alongside the scientific programme, the week included a number of activities designed to encourage networking and explore the Lake Iseo area. Participants took part in a hike on Monte Isola, enjoyed time together outside the lectures, visited Brescia, and attended a guided tour of Berlucchi winery. The Camp also featured a charity dinner organised in collaboration with the local cooperative La Nuova Cordata of Iseo.

The third edition of the NanoChemistry Camp once again brought together leading international scientists and a diverse group of young researchers in an informal setting designed to foster scientific exchange, collaboration, and new connections.

At the bottom of this page, you can download the full programme, the list of participants, the press release (in Italian), and explore our photogallery featuring some of the best moments of the NanoChemistry Camp 2026. Here you can find the press coverage of the event.