Conference Review: 25th International Colloquium Tribology 2026
Bridging Science and Industry – Driving a Sustainable Future with Tribology
The 25th International Colloquium Tribology celebrated its anniversary edition in 2026 under the guiding theme “Bridging Science and Industry – Driving a Sustainable Future with Tribology.” Once again, it became clear how crucial friction, wear, and lubrication are for the efficiency, reliability, and service life of technical systems.
The colloquium brought together around 250 participants—including speakers, delegates, and exhibitors—from more than 30 countries. Experts from industry, research, and development presented the latest findings in tribology, lubricants, materials, and digital methods. The strong practical focus and interdisciplinary exchange fostered a dynamic dialogue between science and industrial application.
Impressions & Highlights
That was the International Colloquium on Tribology 2026
A special highlight of the anniversary event was the first-time presentation of the Wilfried Bartz Award to young, emerging tribologists in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
We would like to sincerely thank all speakers, participants, and exhibitors for their valuable contributions and commitment. We hope that everyone was able to take away new impulses and practical insights for their daily professional work.
The 25th International Colloquium Tribology once again demonstrated its importance as a central meeting point for the international tribology community and as a driving force for a sustainable future.
We look forward to welcoming you again to the 26th edition of the conference in 2028 at the Technische Akademie Esslingen.
What the Community says
“For me, the International Tribology Colloquium is ...”
- “… a well-established and reputable event that brings together experts both from industry and academia.”
- “… a great opportunity to meet new friends and connect with industry.”
- "… the place where science meets real-world engineering — inspiring, intense and always forward-looking!”
- “… an occasion to connect with tribology experts from all over the world and gain insights to research and industry relevant topics on lubricants and tribology.”
- “… one of the highest quality technical meetings in Europe.”
- “… a highly advanced, technical conference about fundamental principles of lubrication, from the deepest technical detail to the macro-scale and anything in between; a must-attend for every lubricant professional.”
- "… an excellent opportunity to meet and speak with colleagues from my field, to learn, to get new ideas, to create new contacts.”
Relevance of the conference
25th International Colloquium Tribology – Tribology in the focus of innovation
Friction, wear, and lubrication are key issues for the efficiency and service life of technical systems. The 25th International Colloquium Tribology at the Esslingen Technical Academy is one of the leading international events in this field and brings together experts from industry, research, and development.
The aim of the conference is to exchange information on the latest developments in tribology, lubricants, materials, and digital methods—in a practical, interdisciplinary, and international context.
The conference is aimed at tribologists, development engineers, and lubricant experts, as well as young professionals from research and industry.
Compared to similar conferences, the colloquium offers an exceptional breadth of topics, a strong application focus, and international networking. With participants from over 30 countries, it is a central meeting place for the global tribology community.
Venue
TAE – Technische Akademie Esslingen e.V.
An der Akademie 5
73760 Ostfildern/Stuttgart
Germany
Your Contact
We look back at the 25th anniversary edition 2026!
Program of the 25th International Tribology Colloquium 2026
Around 130 plenary and specialist presentations from research, industry and practice on a wide range of topics were given for the three-day event 2026, including evening receptions and an accompanying industry exhibition in the TAE foyer.
Save the date for the next 26th international Colloquium Tribology: 25. - 27. January 2028
Look back to high-level, relevant, and up-to-date topics presented by distinguished keynote speakers.
Our Plenary Speakers 2026
Dr.-Ing. Florian König
Acoustic Emission Monitoring of tribological Processes in Drivetrains
Friction and wear processes cause high-frequency structure-borne stress waves, referred to as Acoustic Emissions (AE). This talk explores the potential of AE-based fault diagnostics for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance strategies in drivetrain applications.
Gernot Bayer
Rethinking Grease Testing for Oscillating Contacts: From Standardized Wear Progression to Preventive Assessment
This presentation introduces a new approach to evaluating greases for oscillating rolling contacts, focusing on preventing false brinelling rather than merely slowing its progression. It highlights the concept of a critical speed—defined by frequency and amplitude—as a key factor determining a grease’s susceptibility to damage. The core message is that identifying this critical speed through a systematic testing strategy enables more reliable, reproducible, and application-relevant assessment of greases’ preventive capabilities.
Dr. Janet Wong
Lubricant Inerting: A Sustainable Strategy for Modern Machinery
This presentation explores lubricant inerting as a sustainable strategy to extend lubricant life and reduce environmental impact in modern machinery. By operating lubrication systems in an inert, low-oxygen environment, oxidative degradation can be fundamentally prevented, improving performance and longevity. The core message is that inerting offers significant potential for applications such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, though further research is needed to fully understand lubricant behavior under nitrogen conditions.
Dr. Ksenija Topolovec Miklozic
Modern Tribology Screening: Evolving Methods, Reliable Data, and Future-Ready Insights
This presentation explores the evolution of tribology screening and its crucial role in modern lubricant development. It highlights the growing need for precise, reproducible, and application-relevant testing methods that generate reliable data for formulation, performance prediction, and AI integration. Emphasizing the value of structured, well-designed experiments, the talk shows how understanding why tests work transforms data from mere records into a foundation for innovation and future-ready insights.
Dr. Marcella Frauscher, Msc.
Supporting Mobility Transition – Tribology of Alternative Energy Carriers
Beyond electromobility, zero-carbon fuels like hydrogen and ammonia are key for mobility transition. However, their impact on lubricants and engine components is still largely unknown. A lab-to-field approach using artificial oil aging, tribometry, and mass spectrometry investigates how these fuels affect lubricant performance and consequently tribology.
Dr. Markus Matzke
Mastering new Challenges Towards Lubricant Industry ‒ Linking Models, Standards and Partnerships
This presentation addresses the growing challenges facing the lubricant industry, including new material restrictions, sustainability demands, and faster time-to-market pressures. It highlights three key enablers to overcome these challenges: model-based lubricant selection, standardized testing methods, and collaborative partnerships across the value chain. The core message is that linking models, standards, and cooperation can transform traditional trial-and-error development into a more efficient, knowledge-driven, and future-ready process.
Prof. Dr. Martin Müser
Slippery When Mixed: Molecular Dynamics Insights into Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Friction from Soft Matter to Ice
Why is ice slippery, and how do polymer brushes stay slick? Our simulations reveal that a mix of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces offers a general recipe for reducing friction—opening paths toward new tribological applications.
Dr. rer. nat. Dipl.-Biol. Peter Lohmann
Biodegradation of Lubricants
The determination of biodegradability of lubricants is of great interest. Different test methods are used in this context. However, the microbiology behind these processes is still a black box which I will slightly open a crack.
Main topics 2026 at a glance
Lubricants and additives
- Novel additive technologies
- Oils and greases for enhanced performance of machine elements
- Alternative fuels and lubricants in combustion engines
- Lubricants and coolants for electric and hybrid vehicles
- Hydraulic, turbine, and compressor fluids
- Food-safe lubricants
- Superlubricity enabled by lubricating components
- Rheological behavior and design of fluid systems
- Directions in standards and specifications
Tribology in machine elements and engineering applications
- Innovations in gear and transmission technologies
- Performance and longevity improvements in bearings
- Advances in seal technologies
- Tribological optimization of clutches and brakes
- Fuel economy through tribological advancements in engines
- Friction and wear in electric drivetrains
- Aerospace tribology: meeting extreme operational demands
- Tribological solutions in wind turbines and renewable power systems
- Efficiency and precision in machining and cutting processes
- Filtration systems for enhanced equipment life
Testing and measurement techniques
- Methodologies for tribological testing
- Real-time condition monitoring of lubricants and machinery
- Oil condition monitoring
- Experimental design for tribological research & development
- Surface characterization technologies
- Detection and analysis of particles and contaminants
- Radioisotope tracing in wear studies
- Reliability testing under realistic conditions
- Tribological studies under extreme conditions such as temperature
Surface engineering, coatings, and tribochemistry
- New insights in friction, lubrication, and wear mechanisms
- Developments in micro- and nanotribology
- New 2D materials for friction and wear reduction
- Strategies for wear reduction and protection
- Ultra-thin lubricating films
- Tribochemical reactions and their industrial use
- Mixed and boundary friction
- Hydro- and elastohydrodynamic lubrication
- Extremely low friction in dry contacts
- Tribology of polymers and composite systems
- Embedded lubrication for high-performance materials
Digital transformation and computational tools in tribology
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning for tribological applications
- Predictive models for lifecycle and failure analysis
- Bridging lab-scale studies to real-world applications
- Digital twin technology for tribological systems
- Predictive maintenance through condition monitoring
- IoT-enabled solutions in tribology
- Contact mechanics and FEM modeling
- Molecular dynamics simulations in lubrication
- Software tools for tribological research & development
Sustainable practices and resource efficiency in tribology
- Applications of lubricants with bio-based components
- Water-based lubrication for sustainable operations
- Comprehensive life-cycle assessments
- Circular economy approaches in tribology
- Energy efficiency through friction reduction
- Minimizing CO₂ emissions in combustion engines
- Zero emissions and emission reduction
- Non-exhaust particulate emissions - tire and brake wear
- Tribological solutions for hydrogen-powered systems
Recognised experts
Program Committee 2026
The programme committee for the International Colloquium Tribology is composed of recognised experts from research and development, industry and practice. Its tasks include formulating the objectives and determining the main topics of the conference, reviewing and selecting the submitted lecture proposals for the conference programme and providing expert advice to the organiser.
Steering Committee 2026
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Nicole Dörr
venia docendi in the field of tribology at TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
President of the Austrian Tribology Society (Österreichische Tribologische Gesellschaft, ÖTG)
Her research work is focused on lubricants and lubrication comprising formulation, assessment and condition monitoring of lubricants and other operating fluids. Long-term behaviour of lubricants is of particular interest providing correlations between lubrication performance (friction, wear) and lubricant chemistry (condition). Bringing together analytical methods (mass spectrometry), molecular dynamics and statistical methods in lubricant chemistry.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Max Marian
Executive Director at Institute for Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT), Leibniz University Hannover, Garbsen, Germany
Professor at Department of Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Research focus on energy efficiency and sustainability through tribology in machine elements & engine components (especially bearings and seals), biotribology (load-bearing implants), and triboelectric nanogenerators. Emphasis on the development of numerical multiscale tribo-simulation and machine learning approaches as well as the modification of surfaces through micro-texturing and coatings (diamond-like carbon and 2D materials).
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carsten Gachot
Head of the Tribology Research Division
Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development
TU Wien
Since October 2016 Head of the Tribology research area at the Vienna University of Technology in the Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development with a focus on solid lubricants for aerospace applications, 2D materials, tribology of machine elements, computer-aided material tribology and tribochemistry.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Völkel
Professor for Machine Elements in the Context of Electro-Mobility at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Research focus on increasing the efficiency, durability, and zero emission performance of machine elements in the context of electro-mobility. Increased efficiency requirements open up research fields, e. g. in the area of load-independent losses, while sustainability goals like zero emissions, maintenance-free design, and second-life approaches create new challenges for conventional machine elements.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Lohner
Head of Department EHL-Tribological-Contact and Efficiency Gear Research Center (FZG)
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
His research focuses on the tribology of gears and the efficiency and heat balance of geared transmissions, using of multi-scale modeling and experimental methods. He deals with gearbox fluid and heat flow, elastohydrodynamics of gear contacts, superlubricity with aqueous lubricants, oil-lubricated thermoplastics, minimum quantity lubrication, tribological coatings, loss of lubrication and superefficiency.
Program Planning Committee
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. Albert Albers
Professor Andreas Almqvist
Prof. Dr. Martin Dienwiebel
Dr. Arshia Fatemi
Dr. Marcella Frauscher
Dr.-Ing. Michael Gless
Dr. Markus Grebe
Dr. Manfred Jungk
Dr. Amir Kadiric
Dr. rer. nat. Lutz Kogel
Dipl.-Ing. Rüdiger Krethe
Dr. Markus Matzke
Prof. Dr. Ardian Morina
Dr. Johannes Müllers
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Andreas Pauschitz
Dr. Thomas Ruehle
Dr. Dmitriy Shakhvorostov
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Tremmel
Adjunct prof. Victoria Van Camp
Optimal access to participants
Trade exhibition 2026
The conference was complemented by a trade exhibition in the foyer of the TAE on an area of over 300 m². An ideal opportunity to present your products and services to a high-caliber audience of decision-makers, specialists and managers.
The spatial connection between the foyer, cafeteria and lecture rooms gives you optimum access to the participants.
Our Exhibitors of 2026
AC2T research GmbH
AC2T research GmbH (AC2T) is one of the world’s largest private tribology research institutes, with expertise in materials, lubricants, sensors and simulation. As the world's leading R&D service provider, we offer our customers access to unique infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise. This enables us to implement industrial and customer-specific solutions for friction optimization, wear protection and sustainable lubrication.
Anton Paar Germany GmbH
Anton Paar develops, manufactures, sells, and provides application expertise, support, and service for analytical instruments used in research, development, and quality control for laboratory and process applications worldwide. With decades of experience in tribology, Anton Paar offers the widest range of tribometers and is the global market leader in density and concentration measurement, CO₂ determination, and rheology.
Eurofins BfB
Eurofins BfB Oil Research is a trusted partner with over 30 years of expertise in researching, testing, and analyzing fluids and lubricants. The company supports clients in chemistry, petrochemistry, and oleochemistry with tailored R&D, quality control, environmental assessments, and performance evaluations. State-of-the-art labs and customized analyses ensure product quality and compliance.
Falex Tribology
Falex Tribology is a leading European centre of excellence for friction and wear. For 25 years, the laboratory near Leuven in Belgium has supported the industry with a range of testing methods, cutting-edge technology and technical advice, offering everything from standardised tests to bespoke solutions.
Institute of Machine Components (IMA)
The Institute of Machine Components (IMA) is internationally recognized for its expertise in Sealing and Surface Measurement Technologies. A key focus is on offering a wide range of Surface and Lead Analysis. We also offer Tribotests and Oil-elastomer-compatibility tests for seals.
IREIS ‒ HEF Groupe
IREIS is the R&D company of the HEF Group and a center of excellence for tribology, photonics, and hydrogen. It connects research and industry and develops solutions for technical, environmental, and social challenges. Its focus is on optimizing material surfaces, from laboratory research to industrial application. Its strengths lie in PVD coatings, tribology, femtolasers, and functionalized powders for mobility, aerospace, microelectronics, defense, and energy.
LUM GmbH
The LUM GmbH, founded in 1994 in Berlin, is an internationally active development, manufacturing, and service company specializing in particle characterization, dispersion analysis, and bonding and coating strength testing. Its innovative instruments enable fast, standards-compliant characterization of lubricants, coolants, and release agents, from particle size and stability to shelf-life and emulsion analysis. LUM technologies support industry, research, and quality control in developing reliable tribological systems.
Optimol Instruments
For over 50 years, Optimol Instruments Prüftechnik GmbH has been developing and manufacturing systems for tribological testing of friction, wear, and lubrication. Its globally recognized SRV® test system sets the standard for research and industry. With its state-of-the-art technology, technical center, and global partner network, Optimol supports the development of efficient, durable materials, lubricants, and components.
Polytec GmbH
For almost 60 years, Polytec has been bringing light into the darkness. With over 400 employees worldwide, the company develops and distributes innovative optical measurement technology for use in research and industry. Its portfolio includes process analysis and surface and vibration measurement technology, as well as length and speed measurement solutions. With subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia, Polytec provides a comprehensive service and warranty of up to four years.
Rtec Instruments
Rtec-Instruments offers advanced tribological, mechanical, and materials testing instruments for demanding R&D and quality control of lubricants, fuels, and solid materials. Versatile platforms—available as multifunctional systems or standalone units—enable fast, reliable characterization of friction, wear, lubrication, and surface performance. E-tribology modules add sensitive electrical measurements.
R. Wölfel Analysentechnik GmbH
For over 30 years we serve our customers to find the right instrument to meet their analytical needs. At R. Wölfel Analysentechnik, precision, innovation and reliability lie at the heart of everything we do. As a leading provider of analytical equipment and solutions, we offer customised products and services to meet the highest standards.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a wide range of instruments for material analysis. Our XPS and SEM systems deliver high-quality results quickly and easily. They can be combined with other surface and material analysis techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, enabling maximum understanding with minimum effort.
TriboTonic
TriboTonic is your tribology and petroleum specialist, offering bespoke solutions for friction, wear and lubrication. We provide instrument sales, servicing and technical support. As a European partner of Falex, PCS Instruments and Metaspec, we can supply you with high-quality test equipment and certified ASTM test specimens to meet your testing needs.
Our media partners 2026
ELGI
The ELGI was founded in May 1989 and is an independent, self-governing institute financed exclusively by its members. It belongs to a group of scientific and technical institutes dealing with the tribology of lubricating greases and related products. The institute deals with all aspects of this product group, in particular the technical, economic, ecological, and legal situation in Europe.
expert Verlag
Expert Verlag is a German specialist publisher of business and technology books, based in Tübingen. Its focus is on application-oriented training and further education for specialists and managers in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and management.
Lube Magazine
Lube Magazine is a bimonthly publication containing news and technical articles from across the lubricants industry. Published by the UKLA, Lube is the official magazine of the UEIL. Copies are distributed to readers in over 100 countries and at relevant industry events.
Lubes'n'Greases
Lubes'n'Greases is LNG Publishing's award-winning monthly magazine for the global lubricants industry. Published at the beginning of each month in print and digital formats, it offers the latest news, technical articles and opinions on lubricants, additives, base oils, packaging, trends and industry players.
F&L Asia
Since 1995, F&L Asia Ltd. has been providing world-class news and events from the fuels and lubricants industry. The publishing house provides media services to some of the industry's biggest names and, each year, presents F&L Week — the industry's premier event for conferences and exhibitions.
Verband Schmierstoff-Industrie e. V.
The German Lubricants Industry Association (VSI) is an association of leading manufacturers of automotive and industrial lubricants in Germany. With 88 member companies, the VSI represents over 90% of the German lubricant industry. In addition to multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises are also represented. The association's task is to represent and promote the conceptual, economic, and technical interests of its members.
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Our candidates for the Wilfried-Bartz-Award 2026
As part of the 25th International Colloquium Tribology 2026, the Wilfried Bartz Award was presented for the first time by the Technische Akademie Esslingen (TAE).
The presentation of the Wilfried Bartz Award was one of the special highlights of the anniversary colloquium. By recognizing outstanding young and emerging tribologists, the award continues Bartz’s legacy of fostering close collaboration between science and industry and encouraging the next generation to pursue excellence in both research and practical application.
The candidates for 2026:
- Dr.-Ing. Josephine Kelley, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
- Ammad Yousuf, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Haochen Yao, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Dr.-Ing. Benedict Rothammer, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
- Stefan Hofmann, Technical University of Munich, Germany
- Jessica Pichler, AC2T research GmbH, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
As part of the 25th International Colloquium Tribology 2026
Wilfried Bartz Award 2026
As part of the 25th International Colloquium Tribology 2026, the Wilfried Bartz Award was presented for the first time by the Technische Akademie Esslingen (TAE).
The award was established to honor the memory and legacy of Wilfried J. Bartz, who passed away on December 31, 2023, at the age of 90. With this distinction, TAE pays tribute to the scientific and practice-oriented lifetime achievements of a man who shaped the field of tribology like few others. Wilfried Bartz was not only a dedicated researcher and lecturer, but above all a bridge-builder between theory and application—serving as a role model for generations of young scientists and engineers.
The presentation of the Wilfried Bartz Award was one of the special highlights of the anniversary colloquium. By recognizing outstanding young and emerging tribologists, the award continues Bartz’s legacy of fostering close collaboration between science and industry and encouraging the next generation to pursue excellence in both research and practical application.
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