IDS13 will tell the history and future of the dendrimer research field

“One of the strengths of the meeting is that it brings together people from very different backgrounds who are often tackling similar challenges.,” says Michael Malkoch .  

He is organising the conference and the scientific programme is designed to showcase the diversity of dendritic polymers. It will feature many of the leading researchers in dendritic and precision macromolecular science, offering attendees an opportunity to learn about the latest advances in molecular engineering, functional materials, nanomedicine, and emerging technologies. 

“I believe one of the greatest strengths of IDS13 is the opportunity to bring together scientists who would not normally meet in the same room,” Malkoch says. “Researchers working in chemistry, medicine, materials science, biotechnology, and industry often approach similar problems from very different perspectives. By creating a forum for these interactions, we hope to spark new collaborations and ideas that extend well beyond the symposium itself.” 

IDS13 will feature four internationally recognized plenary speakers whose work has played a major role in shaping the field of dendritic and precision macromolecular science: Donald A. Tomalia, Jean-Pierre Majoral, Virgil Percec and Kannan Rangaramanujam. 

“Together, these four scientists represent both the history and future of the field. Their work spans the fundamental discoveries that established dendrimer science, the expansion of the field into new materials and technologies, and the ongoing translation of these advances into practical applications that can benefit society,” Malkoch says. 

Jon Lindhe ( jlindhe@kth.se )

Read more about IDS13

What are dendritic macromolecules?

Dendritic macromolecules are highly branched molecules that resemble trees, with multiple layers of branches extending from a central core. This unique architecture gives researchers an exceptional level of control over molecular size, shape, and functionality. 

Unlike conventional linear polymers, dendritic structures possess a large number of functional groups on their surface that can be tailored for specific applications. As a result, dendritic materials have become valuable tools in areas ranging from drug and gene delivery to medical diagnostics, advanced materials, catalysis, energy technologies, and sustainable solutions. 

What began as a fundamental scientific curiosity has developed into a vibrant research field with growing impact across both academia and industry.