Fernando Vidal has been a key organizer of the First Symposium for European Early Career Researchers in Polymer Science (EECR26), held in Toledo, Spain, in May 2026. This event was designed to bring together the European community of young and emerging scientists working in the polymer field. The meeting is structured around core thematic tracks, including polymer synthesis, physics and physical chemistry of polymers, and polymer technology and engineering.

A central element of the conference is its focus on researchers at the early stages of their independent careers. Through his role in the organizing committee, Fernando Vidal has contributed to shaping a scientific programme that provides visibility to this specific demographic. Promoted by the Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP-CSIC), the programme balances scientific presentations with sessions addressing the practical challenges of establishing independent research groups and navigating the European funding landscape.

Attendees have contributed actively through oral and poster presentations, sharing recent technical advances across diverse polymer science applications. In parallel, the conference has provided a structured platform for professional networking, encouraging academic exchange and serving as a starting point for new collaborations among the next generation of European polymer researchers.