COST ACTION CA21159 - PhoBios
Final Conference
9-10 September 2026

Various biological surfaces are known to be covered by elaborated micro- and nano-structures, serving a number of functions (e.g. anti-reflective, structural coloration, anti-fouling, pro- or anti-adhesive, etc.) and inspiring numerous industrial applications. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable boost in research in this field. To a large extent, this boost owes to the increasing interdisciplinary of approaches being applied to the study of structured biosurfaces. Sciences as different as classical zoology and botany are inseminated with the advances in genetics and molecular biology; biologists collaborate more and more with nanotechnologists, materials scientists and engineers – all these contribute to the widening of the horizons of research on micro- and nano-structured biological surfaces, and to biomimetic and bioengineering applications of these surfaces in industry. We aim at ‘riding the wave’ of these developments with our proposal. The main goal of the COST Action “Understanding interaction light – biological surfaces: possibility for new electronic materials and devices” is to bring together scientists coming from distinct disciplines into this vibrant field of research, focusing on the photonic effects of nano-and micro-structuring of biological surfaces and their bionic applications. Our consortium will ensure cross-inspiration among the different participants coming from different research fields and will boost innovation in research and eventual industrial developments.

 

Call for Abstract – Poster Session

In addition to the invited program, the Final Conference of COST Action CA21159 (PhoBioS) will host a poster session with poster pitches, offering Action participants the opportunity to present their own contributions related to the conference themes:

• Biomimetic and bio-inspired photonic surfaces

• Functional interfaces

• Advanced optical sensing

• Organic photonics

Eligibility
Abstract submission is open exclusively to registered participants of COST Action CA21159 (PhoBioS). Submissions from non-registered individuals cannot be considered.

 

Format
Accepted contributions will be presented as posters only; no oral presentations will be scheduled for submitted abstracts. Each accepted poster will be given a short pitch slot during the dedicated time prior to the poster session to briefly introduce the results.

 

Costs
Participation is free of charge. Please note that no reimbursement of travel, accommodation, or other costs will be provided for poster presenters; any related expenses remain the responsibility of the participant or their home institution/COST reimbursement channel, where applicable.

 

Abstract submission guidelines

• Language: English

• Length: max 300 words, plain text (no figures)

• Please indicate the thematic area your contribution best fits (from the list above)

• Submit by email to maurizio.dabbicco@uniba.it, with subject line: “PhoBioS Final Conference — Poster Abstract”

Deadline
Abstracts must be received by September 1, 2026. Submissions after this date cannot be guaranteed consideration due to the proximity of the conference date.

 

Notification
Authors will be informed of the outcome on September 2, 2026.

For questions, please contact the organiser Maurizio Dabbicco.

  

Venue

PHOBIOS-BARI-map