The 6th IEEE International Conference on Dielectrics (ICD 2026) was successfully held in Southampton, UK, from 21 to 25 June 2026. The conference brought together researchers, industry practitioners and students from around the world under the theme “Next Generation Sustainable Dielectrics”, providing an international forum for presenting advances in dielectric materials, insulation systems and electrification technologies.
Programme highlights
Participation at IEEE ICD 2026 was exceptionally strong, reflecting the growing importance of dielectrics research in supporting the global energy transition. The conference attracted more than 400 submissions from around the world, with a conversion rate of 74%. Delegates had access to a rich technical programme comprising nine oral sessions and six poster sessions, showcasing the latest advances in space charge, ageing, degradation mechanisms, nanodielectrics, multifunctional materials, diagnostics, modelling and power electronics. With 350+ attendees from 28 countries representing academia, industry and research organisations, the conference provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community building.
Delegates attended the E.O. Forster Lecture by Gilbert Teyssedre, who explored the latest developments in understanding electrical ageing mechanisms in polymeric insulation, while the T.W. Dakin Award Lecture by Giovanni Mazzanti examined recent progress in electro-thermal life modelling of HVDC cables.
A dedicated Workshop on “High Voltage DC and Dielectrics for Electrified Aircraft” fostered lively discussion between researchers from the aerospace and dielectric insulation communities, reflecting the growing importance of transport electrification.
Networking opportunities were complemented by a vibrant social programme, including a welcome reception, and gala dinner. Delegates also enjoyed guided historical walks around Southampton and visits to the SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery and Solent Sky Museum.
Young researchers in the spotlight
Supporting early-career researchers was a key focus of IEEE ICD 2026, with the organisers placing a strong emphasis on recognising emerging talent and providing opportunities for professional development and research engagement. This commitment was reflected in the Young Professionals Lunch & Panel Discussion and the Young Researcher Contest, which recognised outstanding contributions through three awards.
The Young Researcher Award was presented to Chinatsu Fukuda for the poster “High-Temperature Dielectric and AC Breakdown Properties of Alicyclic Epoxy Resins and Silica-Filled Composites.” The Best Paper Award was awarded to James Oxford for the paper “Development of Soft Embedded Electrode Systems for Electrical Treeing Experiments”. The Best Oral Presentation Award was presented to Nina Marie Thomsen for the presentation “Water Treeing in PP-TPE Cable Insulation: Staining and Analysis Methodology.”
Together, these awards highlight the high quality, originality, and impact of research presented by the next generation of researchers at IEEE ICD 2026.
Proceedings & Publications
All accepted and presented papers have now become available online in IEEE Xplore here.