UM organises Joint Conference on Calixarenes & Cucurbiturils

The 18th International Conference on Calixarenes and the 8th International Conference on Cucurbiturils, jointly organised by the University of Macau (UM), the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) of the Macao SAR, and the Macau Society of Supramolecular Chemistry and Biomaterials, were held in conjunction in Macao from 1 to 5 June. The joint conference brought together over 300 scholars from more than 20 countries to explore the latest breakthroughs in supramolecular chemistry and its applications in biomedical sciences, materials science, and related fields.

In his opening address, UM Vice Rector Rui Martins said that UM is committed to fostering international cooperation and interdisciplinary research, and connecting different cultures and disciplines by collaborating with leading institutions worldwide. He also highlighted the efforts of UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) in integrating traditional knowledge and modern science, and in pioneering research in supramolecular chemistry.

Che Weng Keong, president of the Administrative Committee of FDCT, said that the joint conference demonstrated FDCT’s dedication to enhancing Macao’s research capabilities and accelerating the transformation of research results. Wang Ruibing, professor in ICMS and conference chair, said that supramolecular chemistry is driving groundbreaking advancements in the fields of biomedical sciences and materials science through interdisciplinary integration with artificial intelligence and nanotechnology.

The joint conference featured plenary lectures, parallel sessions, and a poster session, facilitating in-depth discussions among scholars from around the world. Key topics included the synthesis and self-assembly of calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and related macrocycles; molecular recognition and sensing; biomedical applications; and materials science.