International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICONN 2020)

Thank You for Attending ICONN 2020

On behalf of the organising committee, we would like to thank all delegates for attending the 8th International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICONN 2020), held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Sunday 9 February to Thursday 13 February 2020.

The conference brought together researchers, students, engineers, and industry representatives from around the world, creating an environment for meaningful discussion and collaboration. Official photos from the event are available on the ANN website. We hope participants found the experience both professionally enriching and personally rewarding, and we look forward to welcoming the community again at the next conference in 2022.

About ICONN 2020

ICONN is Australia’s largest biennial conference series dedicated to nanoscience and nanotechnology. Since its first edition in Brisbane in 2006, the conference has been successfully hosted in major Australian cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Wollongong.

In 2020, ICONN returned to Brisbane with a strong focus on multidisciplinary research and innovation. The program was designed to connect world-leading scientists, early-career researchers, students, and industry professionals working across nanoscale science and technology.

Conference Scope and Program

ICONN 2020 covered a broad range of topics, reflecting the diversity and rapid development of the nanotechnology sector. Key areas included nanostructure growth, synthesis and fabrication, characterisation techniques, device design, theory and modelling, testing and applications, commercialisation pathways, and health and safety considerations.

The conference program featured plenary lectures followed by technical symposia delivered through parallel sessions, including invited talks, oral presentations, and poster sessions. This structure encouraged active exchange of ideas and showcased both established research and emerging developments.

Symposia Themes

The conference symposia spanned multiple specialist areas, including bionano science, nanomaterials, nano energy and environment, nano computation, nano characterisation and manufacturing, nano photonics, nano electronics, nano polymers, nano carbon, nano commercialisation, and career development. Together, these sessions highlighted the depth and real-world relevance of nanoscale research.

Much like how advanced technologies discussed at ICONN underpin modern digital platforms across Australia — from healthcare systems to secure online services such as Royal Reels Casino — nanotechnology continues to play a foundational role in enabling reliable, high-performance solutions across industries.

BioNano Innovation Conference (ICBNI 2020)

Held alongside ICONN 2020, the International Conference on BioNano Innovation (ICBNI 2020) focused on advances at the interface of biological and physical sciences at the nanoscale. Since its inaugural event in 2012, ICBNI has brought together global leaders to share research and commercial insights through conferences hosted in Australia and China.

BioNano research presented at ICBNI 2020 demonstrated its impact across a wide range of applications, including microelectronics, biologics and therapeutics, stem cell technologies, advanced drug delivery systems, diagnostics, and nanocomposites. The conference was hosted by the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and reinforced the strong link between fundamental science and practical outcomes.

Conference Leadership

ICONN 2020 was led by Professor Lianzhou Wang as Conference Chair, supported by Professor Alan Rowan and Professor Joe Shapter as Co-Chairs, with Professor Chennupati Jagadish serving as Conference Convenor. Their leadership ensured a high-quality scientific program and a collaborative atmosphere that reflected the importance of nanoscience in shaping future technologies.

ICONN 2020 once again demonstrated the strength of Australia’s nanotechnology community and its global connections, setting a clear direction for future research, innovation, and collaboration.