Dielectric materials possessing quasi-permanent electrical charge or dipole polarisation are known as electrets. Electrets can generate electrostatic fields in a similar way permanent magnets create magnetic field. The quasi-permanent storage of electrical charge in electrets involves a wide range of natural and synthetic materials. Various types and forms of materials can store charge and become electrets. Examples include organic, inorganic, hybrid, powder, thin films, thick films, bulk, porous, colloids, printing inks, nanomaterials, biomaterials and so on.

Electrets and related phenomena are at the frontier of both fundamental scientific and technological interest. The advent of additive manufacturing also opens up new challenges in this field, which can aid solving many process-related challenges and bring about new ways of manufacturing. The huge success of the applications of electrets in electret microphones, copy machines, inkjet printers, dust collections, electrostatic lens, radiation measurements can expand on novel applications in energy harvesting, bioelectrical stimulation, new sensors and actuators, device and components and characterisation techniques.

The ISE conference series is a unique meeting opportunity for scientists and engineers from all over the world working in the field of electrical engineering, manufacturing and process engineering, materials science and engineering, condensed matter physics and chemistry. It provides a platform for interdisciplinary discussions, debate and dialogues on recent advances in research, development and applications. It brings together world-leading experts in this field and provide a forum for in-depth engagement and discussions between the most experienced and established scientists, engineers and young researchers. The ISE 17 in Limerick, Ireland also provide a forum for a growing community of young researchers to be better informed of Ireland’s burgeoning field of advanced manufacturing where the knowledge and applications of electrets can contribute. Such interactions can bring mutual benefits in terms of innovation, employment and new business.

We invite abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations in all areas of electret research including but not limited to the topics relevant to ISE 17. We also invite panel proposals that cover contemporary topics in a lively and insightful discussion. Proposals for panel discussions must be submitted to the Chair of ISE17.