Dear Colleagues,
We are delighted to invite you and your research groups to the 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Molecular and Ionic Clusters, taking place April 19-24, 2026 at the Renaissance Il Ciocco Hotel in Tuscany, Italy.
Theme: Bridging Gas Phase and Condensed Matter Through Cluster Science
This premier international conference brings together leading and early career researchers to explore cutting-edge developments spanning the full range of cluster science—from atomically precise clusters to aerosols, and from fundamental quantum phenomena to applications in catalysis, atmospheric chemistry, and biomolecular processes.
Conference Highlights
• Exceptional program featuring world-renowned researchers across nine topical sessions
• Four poster sessions for in-depth scientific exchange
• Ample time for discussion after each talk
• Informal networking during afternoon free time and communal meals
• Stunning venue in the hills of Tuscany, Italy —one of the most beautiful GRC locations
• Preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for early career researchers
Important Dates
• Application Deadline: March 22, 2026
• Conference Dates: April 19-24, 2026
Apply early! Many GRCs become oversubscribed before the deadline.
How to Register
Visit: https://www.grc.org/molecular-and-ionic-clusters-conference/2026/
Early career researchers are strongly encouraged to also apply for the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). Financial assistance may be available through the Carl Storm Opportunity Fellowships program.
Conference Chairs: Stuart R. Mackenzie (University of Oxford, UK) and Laura M. McCaslin (Sandia National Laboratories, USA)
Vice Chairs: Evangelos Miliordos (Auburn University, USA) and Bernd Von Issendorff (Freiburg University, Germany)
We look forward to welcoming you to Tuscany for what promises to be an outstanding scientific meeting at the forefront of cluster science!
Stuart R. Mackenzie and Laura M. McCaslin Conference Co-Chairs
(Milena Barp, Erica Bocanegra, GRS Co-Chairs)
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Program & Speaker Lineup
We’ve assembled an exceptional program featuring world-renowned researchers across nine topical sessions:
Chemistry of Atomically Precise Clusters
• Manfred Kappes (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
• Ewald Janssens (KU Leuven)
• Discussion Leader: Thorsten Bernhardt (University of Ulm)
Cluster Models of Solvation
• Martin Beyer (Universität Innsbruck)
• Melanie Schnell (DESY, Germany)
• Discussion Leader: Mark Johnson (Yale University)
Clusters and Aerosols
• Ruth Signorell (ETH Zurich)
• Jonathan Reid (University of Bristol)
• Discussion Leader: Kevin Wilson (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)
Advanced Methods in Cluster Science
• Daniel Neumark (UC Berkeley)
• Joost Bakker (HFML-FELIX & Radboud University)
• Martin Suhm (Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen)
• Discussion Leader: André Fielicke (Fritz Haber Institute)
Electronic and Quantum Effects in Clusters
• Lai-Sheng Wang (Brown University)
• Peter Lievens (KU Leuven)
• Sharon Hammes-Schiffer (Princeton University)
• Discussion Leader: Anne McCoy (University of Washington)
Clusters in Extreme Environments
• Paul Scheier (University of Innsbruck)
• Gert von Helden (Fritz Haber Institute)
• Elisabeth Gruber (Universität Innsbruck)
• Discussion Leader: Nadine Halberstadt (CNRS / Université Toulouse III)
Time-Resolved Methods in Cluster Science
• Henrik Stapelfeldt (Aarhus University)
• Adam Kirrander (University of Oxford)
• Discussion Leader: Daniela Rupp (ETH Zurich)
Clusters as Models for Biomolecular Chemistry
• Anne Zehnacker-Rentien (ISMO CNRS Universite Paris Sacaly)
• Scott Hopkins (University of Waterloo)
• Discussion Leader: Masaaki Fujii (Chuo University / Tokyo Institute of Technology)
Cluster Science for Understanding Condensed Phase Chemistry
• Sandra Lang (Ulm University)
• Mathias Weber (JILA and University of Colorado Boulder)
• Discussion Leader: Knut Asmis (Universität Leipzig)
GEFAM 