FEMS congratulates its member society, Bond voor Materialenkennis (BvM), on its centenary. To mark this milestone, BvM invites members, partners and the wider materials community to a special celebration on 4 November 2026, aboard the SS Rotterdam in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
For a century, BvM has connected researchers, engineers and professionals from academia and industry to exchange materials knowledge. The anniversary event will celebrate this legacy while looking ahead to the developments and challenges shaping the field.
Programme highlights include:
- The inaugural Houwink Lecture, delivered by Prof. Marc Geers, Eindhoven University of Technology.
- A keynote by Prof. Patrick De Baets, Ghent University, entitled “On Loss and Lasting: Friction, Wear and the Passage of Time”.
- An interactive session led by Prof. René Kleijn, Leiden University, exploring “Raw materials under pressure: from geopolitical dependence to circular opportunities”.
Further presentations will address developments in adhesive bonding, corrosion, heat treatment, ceramics and metals, with opportunities throughout the day to meet colleagues and exchange ideas.
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Venue: SS Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Arrival and coffee: From 09:30; welcome at 10:00
Lunch included, with celebratory drinks from 16:00.
FEMS extends its warm congratulations to BvM on this remarkable anniversary and encourages the materials community to join the celebration.
Explore the programme and event details | Register to attend