Bielefeld, Germany – From 7 to 10 April 2025, international experts in colloid, polymer, and interface science gathered at Bielefeld University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) for the Ostwald Colloquium “Structure and dynamics in soft responsive systems.”
“Ostwald Colloquium held in Bielefeld April 7-10, 2025: We greatly enjoyed the inspiring atmosphere during the Ostwald Colloquium in honor of Thomas Hellweg’s 60ᵗʰ birthday. A heartfelt thank you to all speakers and participants.”
Focus on smart and switchable materials
The Colloquium 2025 edition was devoted to structure and dynamical processes in colloidal and polymeric systems, with an emphasis on smart, stimuli-responsive materials. Key themes included self-assembly mechanisms, hydrogel responsiveness, phase transitions, disassembly, and degradation pathways
Beyond fundamental science, speakers showcased applications ranging from surface functionalization and separation technologies to actuation, photonics, emerging 4D materials, and catalysis.
Celebrating a milestone in colloid science
The meeting also served as a tribute to Professor Thomas Hellweg, whose pioneering work on microgels and responsive colloids has significantly shaped the field. Marking his 60ᵗʰ birthday, colleagues and former students presented new insights that build on his legacy while charting future research directions.
Energizing the community
Held in ZiF’s interdisciplinary setting, the four-day program combined plenary lectures, thematic sessions, and lively poster discussions, providing ample opportunities for early-career researchers to interact with established leaders. Organizers reported a record number of contributions, reflecting the rapid growth and societal relevance of research on soft responsive systems.
Looking ahead
As materials capable of adapting to their environment move from fundamental discovery to real-world deployment, advances highlighted in Bielefeld point toward smarter coatings, targeted drug-delivery vehicles, reconfigurable photonic devices, and sustainable catalytic platforms. The Ostwald Colloquium series will continue to serve as a hub where chemists, physicists, and engineers converge to translate molecular principles into functional materials that respond, self-heal, and evolve.
