26th International Conference on Chemical Thermodynamics (ICCT2023)

The international conference on chemical thermodynamics (ICCT) is held from July 30th to August 4th (2023) in Osaka, Japan, as the 26th series conference. This conference aims to share cutting-edge research results and discuss their scientific meaning in Chemical Thermodynamics, which is a fundamental science that analyzes the properties and chemical changes of materials by applying thermodynamic principles. The stirring international organization of the conference is the International Association of Chemical Thermodynamics (IACT). The conference is formally endorsed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Understanding materials properties, reactions, phase behaviors, and interaction of materials with environmental features in thermodynamic flamework gives important bases for all areas in chemistry, and they are closely related to applied chemistry and chemical engineering. The results and pieces of knowledge of chemical thermodynamics are also used for industries based on material science. In recent years, research on heat conduction, thermoelectric effect, understanding of non-equilibrium in living organisms, and global warming and energy problems in the environment has made significant progress based on chemical thermodynamics. The 26th ICCT conference will cover almost all areas of chemical thermodynamics, such as the construction of fundamental theories, collection of various data, application of the data, establishment of methodologies, organic and inorganic materials, polymers, pharmaceuticals, foods, and environmental & safety problems. The organizing committee has arranged these subjects as ten regular sessions, (1. Fluids & Phase Equilibria, 2. Colloids & Interfaces, 3. Bio-materials (Foods & Pharmaceuticals), 4. Bio-thermodynamics, 5. Polymers & Organic Materials, 6. Inorganic Materials & Metals, 7. Condensed Matter: Physical Science & Applications, 8. Instrumental & New Techniques, 9. Database & Industrial Applications, 10. Environmental & Safety). The conference information is accessible from the website site, https://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/micro/ICCT2023/. Since the conference is organized by on-site style after five years interval due to the restriction by the COVID pandemic, it is especially a vital opportunity to promote the activities of the researchers in the fields. Basic science, instrumental developments, and applicational ideas based on chemical thermodynamics discussed in the conference should be valuable and deserve sharing by not only attendees but researchers in nearby fields. Therefore, it is the aim of this special issue to publish significant research results presented at the conference by worldwide attendees. Submissions by the young researchers are also highly recommended.