Grand Challenges in Mechanics

Mechanics Workshop 2026

Mechanics, as a foundational discipline, risks losing relevance in the 21st century if it does not adapt to rapidly emerging frontiers such as quantum computing, brain–machine interfaces, nuclear fusion and AI-driven systems. At the same time, mechanics holds the potential to be central to these revolutions, as evidenced by its role in stretchable electronics, microrobots and biomedical devices. This workshop aims to reimagine mechanics as an enabling discipline for emerging scientific frontiers. The workshop will convene established experts and rising stars in a Gordon-style, retreat-like format that emphasizes speculation, risk-taking and forward-looking dialogue rather than conventional presentations. Participants will identify blind spots, articulate transformative questions for the next 10–15 years and chart a concrete roadmap positioning mechanics as a driver of scientific and societal advances. Outcomes will include a curated strategic report and commissioned perspective articles published in JMPS, providing archival value and wide community engagement. The resulting roadmap will guide funding priorities, education and institutional strategies, thereby shaping the trajectory of the field for decades.