For researchers in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, and Industrial Engineering, the start of 2026 offers a dense cluster of high-impact academic opportunities.

January 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal month for global collaboration, with major symposiums scheduled across technological hubs in Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as key events in Europe.

Securing a spot at these conferences requires early action. Most "Call for Papers" deadlines for these January 2026 events fall in November and December 2025.

To help you plan your submission strategy, we have curated a list of the most anticipated Materials Science and Engineering conferences for early 2026. All selected events feature Scopus or EI Compendex indexing targets, ensuring your work receives the visibility it deserves.

1. The Japan Hub: Innovation in Tokyo & Okinawa

Japan remains a global leader in advanced materials research. In January 2026, it will host four major conferences covering smart materials, composites, and energy solutions.

Tokyo: The Intersection of Smart Materials

• ICSMA 2026: 9th International Conference on Smart Materials and Applications

  • Focus: Smart materials, adaptive structures, and intelligent systems.

  • Dates: Jan 28 - 30, 2026

  • Location: Tokyo, Japan

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 5, 2025

• ICCMME 2026: 11th International Conference on Composite Materials and Material Engineering

  • Focus: Composite manufacturing, mechanics, and applications in aerospace/automotive.

  • Dates: Jan 28 - 30, 2026

  • Location: Tokyo, Japan

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 5, 2025

Okinawa: Energy & Advanced Research

• ICAMR 2026: 16th International Conference on Advanced Materials Research

  • Focus: A broad-scope event covering the latest breakthroughs in material physics and chemistry.

  • Dates: Jan 23 - 25, 2026

  • Location: Okinawa, Japan

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025

• ICAEM 2026: 9th International Conference on Advanced Energy Materials

  • Focus: Battery technologies, solar cells, and sustainable energy materials.

  • Dates: Jan 23 - 25, 2026

  • Location: Okinawa, Japan

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025

2. The Singapore Hub: Nanotech & Manufacturing

Singapore continues to be a premier destination for high-tech research conferences, offering rigorous peer review and excellent networking.

• ICMT 2026: 10th International Conference on Manufacturing Technology

  • Focus: Advanced manufacturing, automation, and material processing.

  • Dates: Jan 21 - 24, 2026

  • Location: Singapore

  • Indexing: EI Compendex, Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 11, 2025

• ICNMS 2026: 14th International Conference on Nano and Materials Science

  • Focus: Nanomaterials, nanotechnology applications, and material characterization.

  • Dates: Jan 21 - 24, 2026

  • Location: Singapore

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 11, 2025

3. Emerging Hubs: Vietnam & Europe

Beyond the traditional tech capitals, significant conferences are taking place in Vietnam and Italy, offering unique opportunities for international exchange.

• IEIM 2026: 7th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Industrial Management

  • Focus: Industrial systems, supply chain management, and engineering optimization.

  • Dates: Jan 7 - 9, 2026

  • Location: Milan, Italy

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: November 25, 2025 (Earliest Deadline!)

• ICMEA 2026: 9th International Conference on Materials Engineering and Application

  • Focus: General materials engineering and industrial applications.

  • Dates: Jan 14 - 17, 2026

  • Location: Nha Trang, Vietnam

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 5, 2025

• ICANM 2026: 5th International Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials

  • Focus: Synthesis and application of advanced nanomaterials.

  • Dates: Jan 14 - 17, 2026

  • Location: Nha Trang, Vietnam

  • Indexing: Scopus

  • Submission Deadline: December 5, 2025

Summary: Your 2026 Action Plan

With deadlines concentrated in late 2025, now is the time to finalize your manuscripts.

1. Check Indexing: Ensure your target conference (e.g., ICMT for EI Compendex) aligns with your publication requirements.

2. Mark Deadlines: The earliest deadline is November 25, 2025 (IEIM in Milan).

3. Prepare: Download the official templates and format your papers early to avoid last-minute stress.

By targeting these reputable, indexed conferences, you ensure your 2026 research year starts with a high-impact publication.