27May2026
13:00 – 17:00 Empa Akademie, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf

Materials IQ – Workshop Materials & surfaces for space – future technologies & challenges

NTN Innovative Surfaces

Space technology is highly dependent on protective surfaces and innovative materials. In addition to light metals, materials that are resistant to radia-tionand temperature, as well as fati-gue, abrasion and corrosion, are in particular demand. Space technology is a source of innovation because it sets requirements that are almost always much higher than in any terrestrial application. The event connects forward-looking research with Swiss industry, renowned for its precision technology and innovative surface engineering.

Participants discuss new ideas for highly demanding environments.

The event is aimed at scientific institutions, industry & technology providers and policymakers, as well as platform operators with future-oriented material concepts and surface technologies for space applications.

Programm/Ablauf

12:45Welcome coffee
13:00

Welcome & introduction

Patrik Hoffmann, Empa / EPF Lausanne

Markus Schölmerich, ESA Phi-Lab, Paul Scherrer Institut PSI

13:10

Space activities @ Empa

Lorenz Herrmann, Empa

13:25

Title tbd

Thomas Zurbuchen, ETH Zurich

13:50

Space environment effects on optical instrumentation

Nicolas Thomas, University of Bern

14:10

Title tbd

Thilo Glatzel, University of Basel

14:30

4D Printing for Shape Morphing and Passive, Adaptive Structures

Kristina Shea, ETH Zurich

14:50

Tailoring MXenes for durable friction control in extreme environments

Manel Rodriguez Ripoll, AC2T research GmbH

15:10Coffee Break
15:40

Innovative polymeric materials for sustainable space application

Ugo Lafont, European Space Research & Technology Centre ESTEC

15:50

Title tbd

Max Erick Busse-Grawitz, maxon international Ltd.

16:10

What goes up must come down

Stephan Hellmich, EPF Lausanne

16:30

From Earth to Space, small to large : technology bricks for space exploration

EleonorePoli, CSEM SA

17:00Closing remarks & network-apéro

Ort

Empa Akademie
Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Schweiz

Karte Veranstaltungsort

Empa Akademie
Überlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf
Schweiz

Registration until 20 May 2026

Workshop fees:
NTN Innovative Surfaces members CHF 50.- (excl. VAT)
Non-members CHF 120.- (excl. VAT)
Cancellation policy: Administrative fee CHF 50.- (excl. VAT)
Substitutes are accepted

Fusszeile