Dear Colleague,
The Clay Science Society and SERHAM Association, which believe that scientific and technological advancements in the field of clay science and technology can be more effectively advanced through national and international collaborations, aim to bring together academics, researchers, industry representatives, and graduate students working in this field on a scientific platform, thereby fostering the exchange of knowledge and experience. In this context, the symposia organized contribute significantly to the dissemination of current developments in clay science and technology, the establishment of new research collaborations, and the strengthening of interdisciplinary interaction.
Within this framework, the 20th National Clay Symposium (Kil’2026 ITU) will be held with international participation between September 2–5, 2026, hosted by Istanbul Technical University.
As part of the scientific program of Kil’2026 ITU, under the theme “The Role of Clay in the Technology of the Future” determined for 2026, topics such as the structure of clay minerals, their industrial applications, environmental impacts, and advanced analytical methods will be addressed. It is aimed to expand the boundaries of science in these areas and to introduce new and innovative fields of study.
In addition to presentations by national and international invited speakers, papers will be presented in parallel sessions throughout the day, where current developments in clay sciences will be discussed, and scientific discussions will take place. The symposium aims to serve as an important platform that strengthens the exchange of knowledge between academia and industry and contributes to all stakeholders through the scientific outputs obtained.
The main topics of this significant scientific event are as follows:
- Geological Formation of Clay Deposits
- Clay Mineralogy and Geochemistry
- Physical and Chemical Properties of Clays
- Beneficiation of Clays
- Clays in Ceramic Applications
- Clays in Construction Materials and Their Geotechnical Properties
- Clays in Industrial and Engineering Applications and Their Geotechnical Properties
- Nanoclays, Organoclays, Nanocomposite Clays and Their Applications
- Simulation in Clay Science
- Climate–Hydrology–Environment Relationships of Clay Sediments
- Clay Minerals in Soils
- Clay Minerals in Hydrothermal and Ore-Forming Systems
- Clay and Boron Relationship
- Clay and Zeolite Relationship
- The Relationship of Clays with Art and Archaeology
- Clays in Health and Cosmetics
- Clay Terminology and Education
- Mining Law and Clay
- In Memory of Dr. (h.c.) İbrahim Bodur: Pioneers Who Shaped Clay Science and the Industry from Past to Present
- Women Academics/Researchers Contributing to Clay Science in Türkiye
- Problems Encountered in Clay Mining within the Scope of Mining, Environment, and Forestry Legislation
- Sustainability and Future of Clay Mining within the Framework of Academia–Industry Collaboration
- Other Topics
You may participate in the symposium with oral and/or poster presentations by submitting your abstracts via http://kilsempozyumu2026.org until May 31, 2026. Submitted abstracts will be published in the Kil’2026 ITU Proceedings Book following peer review.
Participants who wish to submit full papers may also send extended versions of their work as articles to a special issue of an international peer-reviewed journal. The official language of the symposium is Turkish.
We would be honored and delighted to welcome you at the 20th National Clay Symposium (Kil’2026 ITU), which will be held at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center of Istanbul Technical University, and we sincerely look forward to your valuable contributions and participation.
Venue: Istanbul Technical University (Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center – Ayazağa Campus)
Date: September 2–5, 2026
Sincerely,
Organizing Committee of the Clay Science Symposium