The SuperC 2026 workshop launched the next phase of our collaboration

For this year’s summer workshop, SuperC met in person from 2.-5. June on the Azorean island of São Miguel in Ponta Delgada. We spent four lively days discussing our latest progress and looking ahead.  60 researchers participated in the workshop, 50 of whom were present in person with the rest online. We were also joined by 10 family members. Our participating researchers represent 19 different nationalities and work at 17 institutions based in Finland, Germany, Spain and the United States. Of the roughly 60 workshop participants, 27 % were women lead by our four brilliant female group leaders.

Among this year’s participants were also representatives of our international funders from The Kavli Foundation and Klaus Tschira Stiftung and it was a particular pleasure to welcome US philanthropist Kevin Wells to our community. He gave an especially inspiring talk about his career and path to support SuperC.

Scientific discussions revolved around our next phase to realize a high Tc superconductor. With our proof-of-concept approach now established, SuperC aims for new material classes in an attempt to increase Tc. Our research portfolio includes novel machine learning models, synthesis approaches and downstream characterization. The workshop program included talks by both PIs and affiliated researchers, small group discussions, a poster session and plenty of networking opportunities. We also spent time exploring the beautiful parks and surroundings of Ponta Delgada and enjoyed the local restaurants. A highlight was an outing to visit Ribeira Grande and the stunning mountainous interior of São Miguel with a visit to Caldeira Velha hot springs and the volcanic lake Lagoa do Fogo.

For our workshop next year, we will meet again in our familiar location at Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain. In the meantime, we look forward to sharing new discoveries, challenges and top class science as our collaboration enters its fourth year.

We are deeply grateful to our generous funders who support us to hold this event:

The Kavli Foundation, Klaus Tschira Stiftung, Kevin Wells, Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Keele Foundation and Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation

Photos: B. Gehl-Väisänen