MECC 2026

Programme

The Scientific Committee has reviewed all the session proposals submitted and is pleased to present a variety of interesting topics covering the wide range of modern clay research. We will announce the start of the abstract submission process here and through our social media channels soon. So don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn

Abstracts

The submission of abstracts is open now.

After registering as participant you can submit your abstract via the ConfTool website below.

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Please make a note that May 31 is the deadline for abstract submission!

Registration

The registration process is handled by the ETH Conference Office. Please use the following website to register for the conference, field trips, workshop and social events and to submit your abstract(s).

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Please be aware that spots for field trips and the workshop are limited.

Conference fees

Venue

The conference will be held in the main building (HG) of the Zentrum Campus of ETH Zurich, which is located in the heart of Zurich. For more information about how to reach the venue and detailed site plans please visit the link above.

The preconference Profex workshop will be held at the Hönggerberg campus. Please visit the link to find out how to get there.

Accommodation

Zurich is one of the more expensive cities. We therefore recommend that you book your accommodation as early as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot offer discounted rates on hotels or hostels. However, we have put together a hotel map for you that includes recommendations for more affordable hotels and hostels near the venue.

Please find the Hotelmap here: Hotelmap

We would like to clarify that you are not required to book through this website! We provide it solely as a convenience for you.

Field Trips & Workshops

So far we have planned exciting field trips and a preconference Rietveld workshop for you. More information regarding costs and maximum participants will follow soon.

Field Trips

© H. A. Gilg

Dinosaurs and clay pit "Gruhalde" (Frick, Aargau)

Late Triassic to Lower Jurassic terrestrial and marine clay-rich sediments and a major find spot for large Triassic dinosaurs. Includes a visit to the dinosaur museum Frick.

© Mont Terri Rock Laboratory

Visit to the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory

Guided tour and insights into the world-renowned underground research laboratory for geological and environmental studies.

© Jurapark Aargau

Clay pits in N-Switzerland

This excursion will provide an insight into the mining and use of clays in the region. Participants will be guided along the Geo Hiking Trail from the clay pit "Passhöhe Staffelegg" (contact zone between Staffelegg formation and Opalinus clay) to the gypsum pit "Riepel" (contact zone between Gipskeuper and Staffelegg formation).

Workshops

Advanced Rietveld Refinement and Clay Mineral Modeling with Profex

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Organized by the German-Austrian-Swiss Clay Group (DTTG)

This specialized workshop provides an in-depth exploration of quantitative phase analysis and the structural characterization of clay minerals using BGMN/Profex. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the software’s capabilities, ranging from fundamental principles to sophisticated modeling techniques. The curriculum covers the core aspects of Quantitative Phase Analysis (QPA), including the determination of amorphous content. A significant focus is placed on advanced crystallographic challenges, such as the treatment of turbostratically disordered phases and the application of recursive methods for several layered structures. Furthermore, the workshop delves into specialized 1D modeling for key clay minerals of both discrete as well as interstratified phases. This includes modeling of data in both air-dried and ethylene glycol-saturated states.

Participants are encouraged to follow the talks and live demonstrations on their own laptops. The Software and some examples to discuss in the workshop will be given in advance. The workshop will be held at the Hönggerberg campus.

Useful Information

• Time Zone
  Zurich is in the Central European Time (CET) zone (UTC +1) in winter and switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST) (UTC +2) during daylight saving time (March–October).
• Currency
  The official currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). Exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices, and airports. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available throughout the city.
• Electricity
  Voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz.
  Plugs: Type C (2-pin) and Type J (3-pin). Adapters are recommended for other plug types.
• Weather
  Zurich has a temperate climate with four seasons. In late summer/early autumn (Aug–Sep), temperatures typically range from 18–22°C, with possible highs up to 30°C or lows around 10°C.
• Language
  The main language is German (Swiss German). English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism.
• Public Transport
  Zurich offers an extensive system of trams, buses, and trains. Tickets can be purchased at stations or via mobile apps like SBB Mobile and ZVV.

Explore Zurich and the local area

Become a sponsor

Become a part of the clay research community at MECC 2026 and join the group of experts from industry, academia and public institutions and government agencies. If you are interested in sponsoring the conference, please contact Michael Ploetze (mecc2026@dttg.org) for further information about the different sponsorship packages.

We look forward to partnering with you to make MECC2026 a great success.

The MECC 2026 is sponsored by:

Smectite - Platinum Tier

Kaolinite - Gold Tier

Illite - Silver Tier

Clay - Bronze Tier