The conference focused on groundbreaking developments in Polymer Engineering and Science and advances in sustainable polymer processing and recycling, which were explored in inspiring keynote speeches and scientific presentations.
It is impressive to see how our discipline is constantly evolving and offering solutions to pressing global challenges such as environmental and resource protection,
emphasizes Dr. Elisabeth Ladstätter, Managing Director of Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH.
New perspectives and tribute to Prof. Wolfgang Kern
Particularly noteworthy is the newly introduced plenary session, which met with great interest among the participants. A special highlight was the opening with a panel discussion on the topic “Polymers in a World Without Oil” with renowned experts from industry, science and research. The plenary session also provided a platform for exciting lectures and presentations by successful spin-off companies.
A special moment at the event was the tribute paid to Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kern, who passed away unexpectedly last September. Prof. Kern was not only a formative personality of this year's Leoben Conference on Polymer Engineering and Science, but above all an outstanding scientist and visionary in the field of Polymer Engineering and Science. His research work and publications have had a lasting impact on the field. In addition, he was passionately committed to promoting young scientists and the transfer of knowledge between research and industry. In a solemn obituary, his extraordinary achievements were honored, and his significant influence on the scientific community was highlighted.
Awards for outstanding achievements
One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the 4th POLYMER SCIENCE SCHOOL AWARD 2024 and the Poster Award 2024, which recognize outstanding scientific contributions by young talents.
POLYMER SCIENCE SCHOOL AWARD 2024:
- Hellena Rindler (BG BRG BORG St. Johann im Pongau)
Hüftgelenke und die Totalendoprothese bei Coxarthrose”
(€2,500 prize sponsored by ISOVOLTA) - Florian Gaisberger & Alexander Eggetsberger (Andorf Technology School)
“PrintReClaim”
(€2,000 prize sponsored by Solutions4Science) - Izaura Wong & Christoph Dillinger (tgm - Schule der Technik)
“Die Abwasserbändiger”
(endowed with €1,500 sponsored by PreZero)
Poster Award 2024:
The Poster Award went to
- John Tumaneng: Insights on the effect of photoinitiator to the thiol-thioester dynamic bond exchange: a kinetic study
- Christoph Waly: Towards a Greener Household: Efficient Cooling and Heat-ing Solutions with Suitable Polymer Applications
- Van Kein Hoang: Design of Thermo-Responsive Coatings for Battery Safety: Evaluation and Pathways to Sustainability
These awards are intended to encourage young talents to implement their innovative ideas and actively contribute to the future of polymer science,
said Ladstätter
Successful outlook on the future
The participants were enthusiastic about the high quality of the lectures and the opportunity to exchange ideas about future-oriented developments. The next Leoben-Conference on Polymer Engineering and Science will take place from November 20-21, 2025, and will focus on the topic of processing of composite materials.
