Ionic polymerizations play a key role for many industrially prepared materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers and surfactants as well as pharmaceutical polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol). Current developments in academia include many more sustainable monomers and solvents as a new trend that will also be discussed at the conference. The 16th International Symposium on Ionic Polymerization (IP’26) will be held at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata on 15-19 November 2026. IP’26 will be the latest in a series of successful meetings, the most recent of which were held in Mainz (Germany, 2024), Ghent (Belgium, 2022), Beijing (China, 2019), Durham (UK, 2017), Bordeaux (France, 2015), Awaji (Japan, 2013), Akron (USA, 2011).

IP’26 will cover all areas of ionic polymerization as well as related approaches, for instance, new methods and innovative solvents, as well as techniques, advanced materials, and precision polymer structures. The conference scope also comprises emerging as well as established applications. Furthermore, current approaches relying on biobased monomers and potentially sustainable materials will be discussed. The IP’26 conference will foster international exchange and collaboration, showcasing the state of the art in ionic polymerization techniques.

Chair: Prof. Priyadarsi De <p_de@iiserkol.ac.in>
Department of Chemical Sciences
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata
Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal 741246, India

For registration or general questions, e-mail isip2026@iiserkol.ac.in