The N4SNano Global Summit 2025 Highlights the Key Role of Nanotechnology in Building More Sustainable and Efficient Cities

by Chema Arcos

The event, held in Barcelona and organised by ICN2, brought together leading international experts in nanotechnology and sustainability. It provided an exceptional opportunity for debate and knowledge exchange.

The fourth edition of the N4SNano Global Summit, the flagship event of the International Network 4 Sustainable Nanotechnology (N4SNano), took place at the Cosmo Caixa Museum in Barcelona from 16-18 June. This year, the conference was organised by ICN2 and brought together experts from around the world to present and discuss how nanoscience and nanotechnology can contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient cities beyond 2030, in line with SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities.

The three-day conference featured different sessions, including plenary talks, roundtables and poster presentations. These were designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and networking among professionals from diverse institutions such as the University of Waterloo, the University of Tirana, ICFO, the University of Sydney and Imperial College London. Topics covered the development of clean and efficient transport solutions, smart and sustainable buildings, clean energy production and storage, and pollutant detection, all through the lens of nanotechnology.

ICN2's contributions

The scientific committee of the conference included Prof. Pablo Ordejón and Prof. José A. Garrido, the director and vice-director of ICN2, respectively. Several ICN2 researchers also formed the local committee, led by Dr Alejandro Roca (Magnetic Nanostructures Group), who was one of the main organisers.

Among the event's keynote speakers was Dr Claudio Roscini from the ICN2 Nanostructured Functional Materials Group, and CTO of the spin-off company FutureChromes. In his talk, Dr Roscini presented his firm's development of smart coatings for windows and buildings aimed at reducing energy consumption. These coatings are based on thermochromic and photochromic nanomaterials that regulate the amount of sunlight passing through them in response to external factors such as temperature or light intensity. These “smart” materials can also be applied to everyday objects such as lenses or helmet visors.

Several ICN2 researchers also actively participated in the event, serving as chairs or session moderators. These included Drs Salvio Suárez, Mariana Rossetti, Inhar Imaz, María José Esplandiu, Elena del Corro and Alba Garzón. Many of our young researchers also presented their work during the poster sessions, showcasing projects and lines of research aimed at developing nanotechnology-based solutions to tackle sustainability challenges in urban environments.

Overall, the Global Summit once again emphasised the importance of international collaboration in creating a more sustainable future through nanotechnology. We look forward to seeing you at the next N4SNano Global Summit!