ICONN 2020 Brisbane: Everything you need to know

Australia’s biggest nanoscience and nanotechnology conference is coming to Brisbane as the world’s top scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, students and stakeholders prepare to dissect the latest news, trends and developments in this exciting field at the International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICONN) 2020.

A jam-packed program of talks, presentations, workshops and social events makes this the go-to nanoscale conference, which returns to Brisbane for the first time since the inaugural event in 2006 and following appearances in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide and Wollongong. Here’s everything you need to know about the event including who is speaking, where to stay and how to spend your downtime.

The program

Areas of focus for the 2020 ICONN will include nanostructure synthesis, fabrication, growth, theory, testing, device design, applications, modelling and health and safety. A number of concurrent sessions will cover specific areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology:

• Bio nano
• Characterisation and manufacturing
• Energy and environment
• Electronics
• Materials
• Photonics
• Carbon
• Commercialisation
• Computation
• Polymer

The preliminary program sets out the schedule for the main speakers and concurrent sessions across the four day event.

An optional social program includes a welcome reception on February 9 and a cocktail dinner on February 12. Only full delegates have complimentary tickets, so others wishing to attend will need to purchase one as required. The venue is renowned for its culinary service, so you can rest assured both events will please your taste buds. With Executive Chef David Pugh leading an internationally recognised team, you’ll have the chance to experience the best of Brisbane’s fine dining.

Major speakers

ICONN 2020 will feature a number of leading nanoscale experts from around the world who will host plenary talks on the biggest news, developments, trends and questions surrounding nanoscience and nanotechnology.

• Professor Lia Addadi, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
• Professor Debra Bernhardt (Searles), The University of Queensland, Australia
• Professor Yi Cui, Stanford University, USA
• Professor Kazunari Domen, The University of Tokyo, Japan
• Professor Bin Liu, National University of Singapore, Singapore
• Professor Stuart Parkin, Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics, Germany
• Professor Paul S. Weiss, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
• Professor Yi Xie, University of Science and Technology, China

The venue

The 2020 ICONN will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) on the corner of Merivale and Glenelg Street in South Bank. The centre has earned numerous awards and accolades for catering, sustainability, audio visual services and everything in between, and is often considered among the best exhibition and convention venues in the world. As such, BCEC regularly hosts some of the biggest events, exhibitions and conferences in Australia.

The centre’s central location offers the stunning backdrop of the CBD and Brisbane River and makes it easily accessible by foot, car and public transportation from any part of the city. Visitors are just a stone’s throw away from countless bars, restaurants, museums, shops and other tourist attractions and activities dotted throughout Southbank Parklands, downtown and surrounding areas.

What to do while you’re in Brisbane

While you’re in Brisbane for the 2020 ICONN, there are plenty of ways to spend your free time and explore your surroundings. The city’s pleasant climate, relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture and diverse attractions make it a charming destination for visitors of all ages and persuasions, so you’ll have no shortage of options regardless of whether you’re just killing time in the evenings or turning your trip into a mini holiday.

Art and history buffs should head straight to the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) to browse their impressive permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, while those seeking a dose of fresh air will enjoy a visit to the man-made Streets Beach on the banks of the Brisbane River and a stroll to Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park for beautiful views of the city skyline. The City Botanic Gardens are also a must.

In town for more than a couple of days? Brisbane’s proximity to the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast means it’s easy to experience some of Queensland’s top attractions without travelling more than 90 minutes in either direction. Nature lovers won’t be able to get enough of the region’s sprawling hinterland and jaw-dropping coastlines, not to mention the iconic Australia Zoo. If you’re craving a thrill, stop by any one of Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Dreamworld and Sea World for an unforgettable theme park experience – or get yourself a multipass and visit all four!

Looking for hotels near Brisbane conference centre?

Capri by Fraser lies in the heart of the city within walking distance of BCEC. The prime location offers more than convenience: the accommodation is nestled between some of the CBD’s most popular attractions including the City Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier, Roma Street Parklands and Brisbane City Hall. Our award-winning hotel boasts a vibrant and stylish interior featuring living vertical gardens, a heated indoor swimming pool, 24/7 gym, an in-house restaurant and more.

Choose from over 200 Deluxe, Executive and Premier hotel suites based on your needs and budget and enjoy a luxuriously appointed room complete with a smart TV, unlimited Wi-Fi, ergonomic work desk, phone docking station, bedside USB charging ports, Malin+Goetz amenities, Nespresso machine and more. Hungry? Make the most of your personal kitchenette, dial downstairs for 24/7 room service, pop down to Black Fire Restaurant or take a short stroll to one of the many neighbouring eateries.

Choose your accommodation and check availability through our website or get in touch if you have any enquiries and we’ll get back to you promptly.