Annual Summit 2026

2026 UIC Catalysis Innovation Summit (May 14, 2026)

International Workshop on Data Science in the Chemical Industry

Thursday, May 14th 2026

Opening Session (1 hour)

  • Welcome remarks
  • Goals, scope, and expected outcomes
  • Brief keynote introducing global trends in chemical-industry digitalization

Technical Session Blocks (Each block: 1.5 hours)

Use 3–4 themed blocks.

Block A: AI/ML for Reaction Engineering & Catalysis

  • Predictive kinetics
  • Catalyst design using ML
  • Digital twins for reactors

Block B: Process Systems Engineering & Optimization

  • Data-driven process control
  • Reinforcement learning in plant operations
  • Energy optimization and emissions reduction

Block C: Materials Discovery & High-Throughput Automation

  • Deep-learning models for materials
  • Robotic labs and automated experimentation
  • CO₂ capture, nitrogen management, PFAS, etc. applications

Block D: Data Infrastructure & Industrial Implementation

  • Data pipelines, governance, cybersecurity
  • Edge computing for chemical plants
  • Scalability and reliability in industrial settings

Each block includes:

  • 3 expert talks (20 min each)
  • 1 panel Q&A (15 min)

Industry Showcase Session (1 hour)

Short presentations from companies on:

  • Successful digital-transformation case studies
  • Deployment challenges in chemical plants
  • ROI and workforce development

Hands-On Tutorials (2–3 hours)

Parallel tracks such as:

  • ML workflows for chemical data
  • Using Python for process modeling
  • Surrogate modeling/digital twins
  • Data cleaning and feature engineering for experimental data

Poster + Demo Session (1.5–2 hours)

  • Students, postdocs, and startups present work
  • Space for software demos, automation tools, and datasets
  • Facilitates networking and recruitment

Roundtable Discussions (1 hour)

Small groups (10–12 participants) on:

  • Data sharing in chemical industry
  • AI safety and reliability
  • Future talent needs
  • Academia–industry collaboration models

Outputs: 3–4 short recommendation notes.

Keynote Lectures (2×45 min)

Invite global leaders in:

  • AI in chemistry/materials
  • Chemical process digitalization
  • Industrial automation

Panel Discussion (1 hour)

Suggested panels:

  • “Future of Data-Driven Chemical Manufacturing”
  • “AI Regulations & Data Governance”
  • “Role of Universities and National Labs in Industrial Digitalization”

Collaboration & Networking Session (45 min)

Structured networking with rotating small groups.
Create matchmaking clusters: catalysis, electrochemistry, materials, separations, PSE, automation, etc.

Closing Session (30 min)

  • Summary of outcomes
  • Announcement of next meeting
  • Potential creation of working groups or a consortium