N.I.C.E. International Rendez-Vous – Nature Inspires Creativity Engineers
An International Forum for Bio-Inspiration, Biomimicry, Biobased Innovation and Science Engagement – Connecting Science and Society – Inspiring Curiosity, Understanding Nature, and Shaping Sustainable Innovation
Since 2012, the N.I.C.E. International Rendez-Vous have brought together an international community of researchers, students, industry professionals, and innovators to explore advances in bio-inspiration, biomimicry, and biobased approaches, while addressing emerging scientific, environmental, and societal challenges.
Beyond scientific exchange, these international gatherings promote science engagement as a bridge between research and society, making scientific knowledge more accessible, inspiring curiosity, and encouraging a deeper understanding of nature and its potential to provide sustainable solutions. Their ambition is not only to share scientific discoveries but also to stimulate the desire to understand, foster dialogue across disciplines and cultures, and transform knowledge into responsible innovation and meaningful societal action.
Rooted in a multidisciplinary approach combining chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering, the scientific programme is organized around three complementary themes:

• SmartTech: Smart and stimuli-responsive materials, functional polymers, adhesion and anti-adhesion, and adaptive surfaces.
• NanoTech: Nanomaterials, surface engineering, energy storage and conversion, and emerging nanoscale technologies.
• BioTech: Biomimicry, biobased chemistry, bio-inspired materials, soft matter, and sustainable environmental applications.

The N.I.C.E. International Rendez-Vous benefit from the involvement of international scientific and institutional partners, including CNRS GDR 2088 BIOMIM, the Materials Research Society (MRS), the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS), and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), alongside Université Côte d’Azur, CFA Formasup Méditerranée, and academic and industrial partners. The organizing association is also accredited as a UNESCO Club to serve United Nations 2030 agenda : SDG 4 (Quality Education) through scientific education and engagement, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through advanced materials and bio-inspired technologies, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable materials and environmentally responsible processes, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international scientific cooperation.

Held twice a year in Nice, France, through Summer and Winter editions since 2022, these events encourage international mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and science engagement, with particular attention to students and early-career researchers. By connecting researchers, educators, industry representatives, and wider society, they provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop collaborative projects, and strengthen public understanding of science.
Inspired by nature, the N.I.C.E. International Rendez-Vous promote a shared journey from observation and understanding to creativity, innovation, and action, strengthening the connections between scientific excellence, education, and society.
Our ambition is to inspire curiosity, make science understandable, connect people and knowledge across borders, and turn nature-inspired discoveries into sustainable solutions for society.
All members of the International Organizing and Scientific Committees contribute on a voluntary basis, reflecting their shared commitment to scientific excellence, international cooperation, and science engagement.

Frédéric Guittard   –  Chairperson