Nanobrücken 2026: Nanomechanical Testing Conference

April 8-10 | Leoben, Austria

Bruker is pleased to announce that Nanobrücken 2026 will take place April 8-10 in the beautiful city of Leoben. The 16th annual Nanobrücken conference for international academic and industrial researchers and leaders in nanomechanical and nanotribological testing will feature oral presentations from leading research groups as well as practical workshops and a poster competition. In a pre-conference workshop we will provide a concise, practice‑oriented overview of nanoindentation, spanning fundamental principles through advanced experimental techniques.

The conference program is open to all aspects of nanomechanical and nanotribological testing, including testing in extreme environments, in-situ testing in SEM/TEM, theory & simulation, testing biomaterials etc.

Abstract Submission - Deadline is February 20th

Oral presentation guidelines
Please bring your presentation file on a memory stick. The presentation screen aspect ratio is 16:9.

• Student talks are 12 minutes in length, with an additional 3 minutes for discussion.
• Contributed talks are 15 minutes in length, with an additional 5 minutes for discussion.
• Invited talks are 25 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes for discussion.

Poster Presentation Guidelines
Posters should be prepared in A0 portrait format; stands and pins will be provided.

Contact Us:
If you have questions about Nanobrücken 2026, please contact us. Follow @BrukerNano on X for #Nanobruecken information and updates.

Topics include:

• Advanced nanoindentation and associated techniques
  Expand your knowledge beyond the basic nanoindentation techniques used to determine hardness & elastic modulus, by learning about novel, highly precise instruments and advanced techniques for achieving greater accuracy and resolution. For example, using advanced nanoindentation technology to achieve very small indentation depths and forces that allow the study of thin films, coatings, and small-scale structures.
  
  
• Testing in extreme environments
  Learn about performing nanoindentation tests under different environmental conditions, for example, studying the mechanical properties of materials at elevated temperatures, which is crucial for applications in aerospace, energy, and materials processing, or at low temperatures to understand the behaviour of materials at cryogenic temperatures, which is important for applications in the aerospace industry and superconducting materials.
  
  
• In-situ testing in SEM/TEM
  In-situ testing in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) involves performing experiments directly within the microscope to observe real-time changes in the material’s structure and properties under various conditions. This approach provides valuable insights into the behaviour of materials at the micro and nanoscale.
  
  
• Nanomechanical and nanotribological testing theory
  Learn more about the theory and best practices of nanoindentation and nanotribology from renowned experts in the field.
  
  
• Biomechanical testing
  Use nanoindentation techniques to determine the biomechanical properties biological material at the nanoscale. This approach is particularly useful for understanding the mechanical behaviour of tissues, cells, and biomaterials used in medical applications.

Conference Hosts:
Priv. Doz. Dr. Megan J. Cordill
Erich Schmid Institute of Materials Science, Austrian Academy of Sciences 

Ass. Prof. Dr. Verena Maier-Kiener
Dr. Michael Tkadletz 
Department of Materials Science, Technical University of Leoben

Conference Venue:
Aula
Franz Josef-Straße 18
8700 Leoben, Austria 

Pre-Conference Workshop

Whether you're standing in front of a nanoindenter for the very first time—or you’ve been running experiments for years—this session has something for you.

For beginners, we’ll demystify the essentials: how to avoid common pitfalls, how to run safe and reliable indents, and how to approach more advanced tests with confidence. You’ll learn the practical “must do” steps, the “never ever do” mistakes, and the basic mechanics behind indentation.

For experienced users, this is a chance to refine technique, challenge assumptions, discover new workflows, and exchange insights with Bruker and academic experts. We’ll dive into best practices for scratch testing, wear boxes, high temperature work, environmental control, mapping strategies, and more.

New users will leave feeling confident; advanced users will leave with fresh ideas and sharper skills.

Hotel Information

Bruker has reserved a room allotment at the Asia Hotel, which is located only a few walking minutes from the University campus. Make sure to secure your hotel room! 

Details: 
Price per room: € 145.00 (incl VAT) / Night including breakfast
Booking Password: Nanobrücken
Booking via Email: reservierung@asiaspa.at or Phone: +43 (0) 3842 405

Please book before 1 March 2026.

Other hotels can be found via Booking.com.

Travel & Venue

Leoben is in the heart of the Steiermark and well-connected with the Austrian train system. Train services are ÖBB or OEBB (there is an app available called “Scotty”, in English).

The best airports to travel into are Vienna (ca 2.5 hr train journey) or Graz (ca 1.5 hr train journey). At both airports, the train is directly at the airport (stations: Vienna Aiport/Flughafen or Graz Airport/Flughafen).

Within the EU, direct flights into Vienna or Graz are recommended. Otherwise, having at least 2 hours between connecting flights (especially in Munich or Frankfurt) is highly recommended.

If one would like to take the train from either airport to Leoben, be sure to arrive before 20:00 (8pm). Later trains are not possible to Leoben. Local organizers can help with train reservations and schedules.

Taxis will be necessary for airport pick-ups when arriving late (after 20:00 in Vienna, after 21:00 in Graz) or departing early (before 10:00 in Vienna, before 8:00 in Graz) at either airport. 


Conference Venue:
Aula
Franz Josef-Straße 18
8700 Leoben, Austria 

General information

Cancellation and payment conditions:
The booking for the individual participants can be cancelled free of charge 24 hours before arrival and payment is made directly on site.

City Tax:
All accommodation charges mandatory Leoben city tax

Parking:
Hotel garage/parking deck are € 9.00 per night.