The 21st International Conference on Density Functional Theory and its Applications will take place in Donostia – San Sebastián (Spain) in August 2026. This will be the latest edition of a longstanding series of biennial meetings, previously held in Paris (1995), Vienna (1997), Rome (1999), Madrid (2001), Brussels (2003), Geneva (2005), Amsterdam (2007), Lyon (2009), Athens (2011), Durham (2013), Debrecen (2015), Tällberg (2017), Alicante (2019), Brussels (2022), and Paris (2024).
Density functional theory (DFT) is currently the most widely used method for practical electronic structure calculations in chemistry, physics, and materials science. The DFT 2026 conference will cover a broad range of topics in the field—from the latest theoretical advances to cutting-edge applications—bringing together scientists from around the globe.
The scientific program spans four days and includes seven plenary talks and twelve invited lectures by internationally renowned speakers, showcasing the current state of the art in DFT. In addition, 32 contributed talk slots will offer participants the opportunity to present their research at the world’s largest platform for DFT developers and users.
Contributions are warmly welcome in areas such as:
New fundamental developments in density functional theory
Advances in exchange–correlation functionals
Ensemble DFT and multireference DFT
DFT and machine learning
Novel areas of applications of DFT
We look forward to welcome you in Donostia!
Prof. Eduard Matito Chair, 21st International Conference on Density Functional Theory and its Applications
