Welcome to the 39th International Symposium on Superconductivity (ISS2026)
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Akira Fujimaki
Designated Professor, Nagoya University
General Chair, ISS2026

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 39th International Symposium on Superconductivity (ISS 2026), which will be held in Toyama, Japan, from December 1 to 3, 2026.
‍Superconductivity remains one of the most fascinating and influential areas of modern science, spanning a broad spectrum from fundamental physics and materials science to applied research and technological innovation. The significance and vitality of this field were underscored by the awarding of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking contributions related to superconductivity, highlighting its profound impact on both fundamental understanding and future technologies. Against this backdrop, ISS 2026 aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussions on a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to practical applications.The ISS has a long and distinguished history. The first symposium was held in 1988, shortly after the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity, and has been held annually ever since. The inaugural ISS was organized by the International Superconductivity Technology Center (ISTEC), which played a central role in establishing the symposium as a unique international forum. Over the years, ISS has offered researchers worldwide an exceptional opportunity to discuss the state of the art in superconductivity, explicitly covering a broad range of fields—from fundamental science to applications—including Physics and Chemistry (PC), Wires and Bulk (WB), Electronic Devices (ED), and Large-Scale Applications (AP).Following the completion of ISTEC’s mission and its disbandment in 2016, the symposium continued under the leadership of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) from 2016 to 2023, in response to strong requests from the superconductivity research community. Since AIST’s involvement ended in fiscal year 2023, ISS has entered a new phase. From fiscal year 2024 onward, the symposium has been operated autonomously by the community under a new management structure overseen by the ISS Board, composed of experts representing the four technical disciplines. ISS 2026 represents an important continuation of this community-driven tradition.The symposium will take place in Toyama, a city renowned for its scenic beauty, offering magnificent views of the Tateyama Mountain Range rising from the Sea of Japan. Toyama is also famous for the rich seafood of Toyama Bay, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy outstanding local cuisine alongside the scientific program. We are honored to welcome distinguished speakers and participants whose diverse expertise will foster stimulating discussions and new collaborations. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the organizing and program committees, as well as to all sponsors and contributors, for their dedication and hard work in making ISS 2026 possible. I hope you will find ISS 2026 intellectually stimulating and rewarding, and that it provides valuable opportunities for scientific exchange. We also hope you enjoy your stay in Toyama and the discussions throughout the symposium. We look forward to your active participation and to a successful and inspiring ISS 2026.

‍Best wishes, ‍

Akira Fujimaki
Designated Professor, Nagoya University
General Chair, ISS2026