Gel materials, featuring three-dimensional network structures coupled with fluid phases, combine structural stability with excellent transport, responsive, and functional properties. By regulating network structures, crosslinking strategies, and functional components, gels can be developed into various forms, including hydrogels, organogels, ionogels, oleogels, and aerogels, with broad applications in biomedicine, new energy, environmental protection, flexible electronics, intelligent sensing, thermal management, and advanced manufacturing.

Driven by advances in new materials, the dual-carbon strategy, biotechnology, and emerging industries, gel materials are rapidly moving from fundamental research toward engineering and industrial applications. Key challenges include understanding network formation, multiphase interactions, structure–property relationships, and achieving precise control, scalable fabrication, and long-term reliability.

2026 Conference on Advanced Gel Materials and Industrial Applications will be held in Suzhou from October 21–23, 2026, under the theme“Innovation-Driven Development and Industrial Integration.” The forum will bring together experts, industry leaders, and young researchers to discuss scientific breakthroughs, technological challenges, and industrial applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the innovation ecosystem of gel materials.