Leading Scientists, Industry Partners, and Start-Ups to Explore Research, Commercialization, and Industry Applications in 2D Materials
Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced that its Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) will co-host the international symposium ‘2D Materials in Action: Energy Technologies’ on 20–21 October 2025 in Dresden, Germany, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (MPI) and the Technical University of Dresden (TUD).
The two-day, invitation-only event aims to bring together scientists, industry leaders, start-ups, and policymakers from around the world including the UAE, Europe, and Asia to explore the latest research, discuss commercialization pathways, and examine opportunities for real-world applications in next-generation batteries, solar cells, hydrogen storage, and light weight composites for mobility.
The symposium will also feature interactive sessions designed to Explore breakthroughs in 2D materials research and applications, Forge collaborations across academia, industry, and start-ups, Strategize implementation for real-world energy challenges, and Contribute to sustainability, advancing affordable and clean energy solutions.
Prof. Hassan Arafat, RIC2D’s Senior Director, said: “Khalifa University is proud to co-lead this initiative with the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics and the Technical University of Dresden to provide a platform for academia, industry, and start-ups to come together and accelerate solutions. The symposium comes at a time when global energy demand is rising and the need for affordable, clean, and sustainable solutions is urgent. With their unique properties, 2D materials can enhance energy storage, conversion, transport, and hydrogen technologies, supporting efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal on Affordable and Clean Energy.”
Prof. Xinliang Feng, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics & Technical University of Dresden, said: “This symposium represents an exceptional opportunity to bring together leading minds from academia, industry, and start-ups to accelerate the transition of 2D materials from laboratory research to practical energy and mobility technologies. By combining scientific excellence with industrial perspectives, we aim to identify pathways for scalable production, integration into real-world systems, and sustainable energy solutions. Collaboration between institutions like Khalifa University, the Max Planck Institute, and TU Dresden underscores the global nature of scientific progress and our shared commitment to innovation that benefits society.”
Speakers from Khalifa University including Professor Lourdes Vega, Director, Research and Innovation Center on CO₂ and Hydrogen (RICH), and Dr. Ammar Nayfeh, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, will highlight the University’s contributions to hydrogen technologies, sustainable energy systems, and advanced material applications.
Building on the success of last year’s 2D Materials in Water Applications symposium, this year’s event will continue to foster international collaboration, advance research, and support innovation that contributes to global sustainability goals.
