Groningen Wins Bid ISAF

Groningen has won the competitive bid for the International Symposium on Applications of Ferroelectrics (ISAF) 2028, supported by the global organization IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The conference will take place in July 2028 and will bring 450 to 700 leading scientists from around the world to the Netherlands – to Groningen – for an entire week.

Strategic value for the city and science

The ISAF brings together the global community in the field of ferroelectric materials research – smart materials used in advanced sensors, actuators, data storage, and energy harvesting – with a direct impact on the energy transition, digitalization, and medical technologies. This is fully in line with the key economic priorities of the Municipality of Groningen.

“Winning ISAF 2028 is a tremendous milestone,” says Wouter Olland, Groningen Conventions. “This conference connects science, innovation, and the city, and firmly positions Groningen on the international map as a congress and knowledge destination.”

In the photo, taken at the Feringa Building on the Zernike Campus of the University of Groningen (from left to right): PhD candidate Ewout van der Veer, Dr. Martin F. Sarott, Prof. Beatriz Noheda (all RUG), and Wouter Olland (Manager Groningen Conventions/Groningen Congress Alliance). Missing from the photo, but indispensable: Lindsey Eijffinger (International Conference Advisor, NBTC).

The power of collaboration

The winning bid was made possible by a strong consortium consisting of: University of Groningen (RUG), University of Twente (UT), and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Under the leadership of Prof. Beatriz Noheda, Dr. Martin F. Sarott, PhD candidate Ewout van der Veer, Prof. Gertjan Koster, and Dr. Bart Macco, together with a broad international network, the successful proposal was developed.

'By securing this conference, we demonstrate that Groningen is an attractive, accessible, and innovative conference destination.'

Key partners included 

NBTC (Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions) – Lindsey Eijffinger (bid book & strategic advice) and Groningen Conventions – Wouter Olland (initiative, advice and promotion of Groningen and its partners).

Major impact for Groningen
The conference will not only generate prestige and visibility but also provide a significant economic boost for the city and region. The expected outcomes are 450–700 international scientists spending a full week in Groningen, increased international visibility for the University of Groningen and its partner universities, and considerable economic value through hotel stays, restaurants and local expenditures.

Groningen as a conference city
The bid was made possible by Groningen Conventions, powered by the Groningen Congress Alliance, a strong partnership of public and private stakeholders committed to strengthening Groningen’s international position as a conference destination.

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