Sara Nocentini presented the latest results of the group on tunable photonics enabled by liquid crystalline network: responsive materials that can change their shape and refractive index in response to selected stimuli.

By analysing the pros and cons of the light induced tunability, the 3DnanoGiant project was born. By using the nonlinearity of polymer stabilized liquid crystals patterned at the micro and nanoscale, photonic components will show faster tunability as well as light manipulation by light. In this way, the project aims to overcome the limitations in terms of response time and stability of the photonic properties, two fundamental features in the field of all-optical processing.

ILCEC 2025 has been a wonderful event bringing together hundred of scientists working on responsive polymers with new synthetic approaches, new applications and a lot of passion to advance further the field. A huge thank you to the organizers, Prof. A. Priimagi and Prof. H. Zeng, for creating such a well-organized and enjoyable conference in a beautiful, relaxing setting. Sara was delighted to attend the conference with the colleague Prof. C. Parmeggiani.