Attending conferences is becoming evermore difficult for early-career researchers in most fields of science due to the limited budget and increasing costs, mainly fees and accommodation, as most conferences are held in big cities. Furthermore, major conferences feature high-profile senior speakers in the technical program, which may lead to some reluctance amongst students to engage in deeper technical discussions, to share difficulties and challenges, or even to share non-work related experiences.

With a focus on affordability, all-inclusiveness and a dedicated social program, CYRCOMP'26 aims to provide a scientific gathering for young researchers in the field of composite materials in a more quaint and traditional setting of Portugal whilst fostering an easy atmosphere for young researchers to present their ideas and discuss with their peers.

In the sea-bathed city of Póvoa de Varzim, north of Porto, CYRCOMP'26 provides the perfect environment for sharing knowledge, with a strong focus on industry and academia, and a complementary social activities programme to indulge in.