About conference
The inaugural Science, Engineering, Technology, and Management (SET-M) Conference at SETU will explore the theme “Innovating Together: Industry–Academia Partnerships in Engineering and Science.”
This interdisciplinary conference will bring together graduate students, postgraduate researchers, academics, researchers, and industry professionals to showcase cutting-edge research, exchange knowledge, and explore emerging innovations across science, engineering, technology, and management.
Taking place on 22–23 October 2026 at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, the conference will bring together students, researchers, academics, and industry professionals to showcase innovative research, exchange knowledge, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The programme will feature keynote and invited talks, research presentations, industry perspectives, and networking opportunities, with a focus on innovation, research impact, emerging technologies, and strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
SET-M 2026 aims to connect ideas, expertise, and innovation and promote the translation of research into real-world applications.
Programme Overview
Day One - Knowledge Creation
- Interdisciplinary Research & Scientific Frontiers
- Research Translation, Publication & Commercialisation (Industry Keynote)
- Advanced Materials & Additive Manufacturing
- Biomedical Engineering & Sensor Technology
- Smart Therapeutics & Drug Delivery Systems
- Postgraduate & Early Career Research Excellence (Poster Presentations)
- Panel Discussion (Industry–Academia)
Day Two - Knowledge Translation
- AI & Intelligent Systems (Guest Lecture)
- Sustainable Science & Engineering (Guest Lecture)
- Industry–Academia Collaboration (Industry Keynote)
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups (Growth Hub)
- Workshop: Growth Hub – Entrepreneurial Mindset Development
Keynote Speakers
Professor Liam Blunt – Director of the Centre for Precision Technologies, University of Huddersfield, and immediate past president of the European Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (euspen). His research focuses on surface metrology, precision engineering, additive manufacturing, and advanced measurement technologies, with extensive EU and industry collaboration.
Dr Eric A. Zizzi – Assistant Professor at Politecnico di Torino (Italy), specialising in computational molecular modelling and machine learning approaches for biophysical systems, including drug delivery and protein modelling.
Stefan Stefanov – Chairman at ISEE (Bulgaria) and Board Member at Unitraf JSC. Industry leader with 15+ years’ experience in manufacturing, digital transformation, and development of scientific management and digital twin systems.
Professor Devrim Pesen Okvur – Professor at Izmir Institute of Technology and co-founder of Initio Cell. Expert in organ-on-chip technologies and cancer modelling, leading international research in microphysiological systems and tumour biology.
Key Highlights
- Keynote lectures from leading European and international experts
- Oral and poster presentations
- Industry and research showcases
- Panel discussions on research, innovation, and policy
- Workshops and networking sessions
- Postgraduate & Early Career Researcher Forum
Important Dates:
- Abstract Submission (Extended): 15 September 2026 (email: [email protected])
- Acceptance Notification: 30 September 2026
- Full Paper Submission (optional): 5 October 2026
- Conference Dates: 22–23 October 2026.
Who Should Attend
This conference is open to SETU faculty members and researchers, as well as postgraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing research careers. It will also be of interest to industry professionals, R&D leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers seeking to engage with emerging research and collaborative opportunities. Representatives from collaborating universities and research institutes are also encouraged to attend.
Registration
Registration is mandatory for all attendees. All participants must complete the official registration form before attending the conference. Please register here.
Contact
The conference is chaired by Dr Bhaskar Murari, Department of Engineering Technology, SETU Waterford campus, who can be contacted at [email protected] for further information.
Conference Secretary: [email protected]
For all general enquiries, please contact [email protected], who will be happy to assist.
Learn more about the SET-M 2026 Conference by downloading the flyer here.