What challenges lie ahead?
With scientific advances in biomaterials, the discovery of new manufacturing processes, and the development of innovative chemical and plastic combinations, poro-elastic materials are undergoing significant changes. The 2026 edition of the symposium on the acoustics of poro-elastic materials will be devoted to the joint contributions of several disciplines (chemistry, physics, engineering, applied mathematics). The five days will be devoted to analysing their structures, properties and manufacturing processes, combining structuring keynotes and contributed talks contributions. How can we envision the development of poro-elastic materials today, in line with sustainable development goals? What are their characteristics (at micro- and macro- scales) and how can their properties be captured? To what extent are characterisation, modeling and numerical methods suitable for extreme operating conditions? Have these materials changed in nature, and what are the common and different physics between traditional poro-elastic materials and metamaterials (e.g. negative response functions, couplings, space-time modulation, non-reciprocal).
Specific topics of the conference
- • Characterization (at micro and macro scales); modelling; computational methods,
- • Materials with flow,
- • Structure-property-manufacturing relationships, bio-inspired, architected, sustainable; multi-functional; multi-physics,
- • Meta-materials/-structures: negative response functions, couplings, non-reciprocal, sorption.
Goals of SAPEM
- • present the latest developments in modelling, characterization and applications of acoustic porous media,
- • highlight advances in adjacent disciplines,
- • foster interdisciplinary communication,
- • discuss future challenges for this field of research.
Keynote Speakers
Aeroacoustics: flow in porous or vice versa
Numerical techniques for poro-elastic media or multi-layer systems
Thermo-aero-acoustics of poro-elastic media
NMR relaxometry for characterizing structure, phase changes and water transport in multi-scale biobased porous systems
Dr. Aurélie Hourlier-Fargette
Guiding self-assembly of bubbles to control foam structures
Durability of Bio-Based Construction Materials: Key Challenges, Evaluation Methods and Long-Term Performance
Challenges for hearing protection: comfort, vibro-acoustic models, measurements and innovative materials
Imaging techniques: X-ray for in-situ characterisation
Characterisation of materials
Important Dates
Abstract Submission
May 15, 2026
Acceptance notification
(no paper required)June 30, 2026
Early Registration
July 15, 2026
Venue & Location
SAPEM 2026 will be held at the modern conference facilities in Marne-la-Vallée, located in the eastern suburbs of Paris. This strategic location offers excellent transportation links to Paris city center while providing a focused environment for academic exchange.
Getting There
By RER: Direct connection via RER A line from central Paris (35 minutes from Châtelet-Les Halles)
By Car: Easy access via A4 motorway, with on-site parking available
From Airports: Charles de Gaulle (45 min) or Orly (55 min) by public transport
Accommodation
Ibis Cité Descartes hotel is located on the campus, within walking distance of the conference center.Conference Center
Cité Descartes Conference Center
5 Boulevard Descartes
77420 Champs-sur-Marne
Marne-la-Vallée, France
Registration
Registration Fees (excl. 10% VAT)
Early Bird (until July 15, 2026)
Regular: € 600
Student: € 350
Standard Registration
Regular: € 680
Student: € 400
What's Included
- Welcome reception
- Coffee breaks and lunch (from Tuesday to Friday)
- Gala dinner
- Conference proceedings (digital)
Supports and sponsors
