Design, Synthesis, Structure, and Applications

Building on the success of the first two Peptide Materials GRCs, this third conference will highlight emerging directions in the field at the intersection of science, engineering, and medicine. The program will emphasize how understanding peptide structure, assembly, and dynamics guides materials design and function across length scales. The program will also explore how artificial intelligence, computational design, and advanced synthetic approaches enables discovery. Discussions will include molecular designs based on natural and non-natural amino acids, as well as peptide mimics, along with connections to larger systems including polypeptides and proteins. Scientific sessions will span fundamental principles and applications, including peptide materials for delivery, detection, and inhibition; materials for construction and energy-related applications; and strategies for understanding and manipulating biological systems using peptide-based materials. Dynamic and adaptive material states, including liquid–liquid phase separated systems, will be explored as key organizing principles in both biological and synthetic materials. The conference will conclude by identifying future directions and opportunities that will shape the next phase of peptide materials research.