TBIS 2024, Textile Sustainability, Ecology and Health

TBIS 2024, the 17th International Conference on Textile Bioengineering and Informatics, officially commenced on August 20, 2024, at 9:00 AM KST (8:00 AM CST) at the EXCO Convention Center in Daegu, South Korea. The conference was held both in-person and online. After four days of in-depth discussions and exchanges, the event successfully concluded on August 23, 2024.  

This conference brought together renowned scholars from 14 countries and regions, including South Korea, China, the Czech Republic, the United States, Japan, France and so. The participants engaged in a series of keynote speeches and academic forums focused on the latest industry developments and cutting-edge research topics. 

In addition to the main conference hall, the event featured seven parallel sessions, with a total of 57 Medal Lectures and 30 oral presentations. Attending guests and scholars engaged in broad and deep academic exchanges on cutting-edge topics. The conference centered around the theme of "Textile Sustainability—Ecology—Health," showcasing recent advancements and research findings. The presentations on this theme were extensive in scope and rich in content, earning high recognition and praise from the participants.

At the TBIS International Executive Committee (IEC) meeting on 20 August, the Honorary Chairman, of IEC, Academician Prof. Meifang Zhu of the Chinese Academy of Science and the current IEC chair, Prof. Malgorzata Zimniewska, and incoming IEC Chair Prof. Seung Kook An delivered welcome messages and onsite. The theme of the IEC meeting is “TBIS for you, with you”. The mission and activities of TBIS were reviewed and presented in the areas of TBIS symposiums, Journal of Fiber Bioengineering and Informatics, Personal Academic Support, Collaborative Projects, International Workshop Forums, Academic Home and TBIS Social Platform. Prof. Yi Li, Founding President of TBIS, explained the history of TBIS establishment and the very initial goal of the TBIS board of directors and told many stories of how TBIS has developed as the academic home of TBIS participants to support them at different stages of their academic career development from student volunteers, fresh PhD graduates, junior academics, academic promotions and applications of international and national positions and senior/retired academics. Meeting participants from various levels from TBIS directors, IEC members, professors, lecturers, young researchers and students had enthusiastic and warm discussions and shared their personal experiences, and expressed their passion and willingness to contribute to the TBIS academic community.

On August 21, the opening day of TBIS 2024, the conference offered a series of compelling sessions. From the morning until the afternoon, twelve noteworthy presentations took place, covering advanced textile materials and applications, and the field of textile functionality and sustainability. Scholars from various countries engaged in in-depth discussions on the application of advanced textile materials and sustainability, exchanging academic insights and exploring the possibilities and directions for future development. In the afternoon, discussions continued in various parallel sessions, focusing on topics ranging from textile material products and information, electronic  textiles and wearable devices, to biomedical textiles. The day’s discussions concluded at 6:00 PM CST. The conference’s strong academic atmosphere and high-level intellectual exchanges spurred enthusiastic discussions on the sustainable development of the textile industry’s future.

On August 22, the second day of the conference, the A session featured insightful presentations from 11 distinguished experts on innovations in wearable technology and digital health applications.Additionally, 12 experts delivered comprehensive talks on breakthroughs in biomedical fiber materials, multifunctional textile materials and product innovations, as well as carbon footprint reduction and carbon neutrality in the textile industry. In the BCD sessions, a broader range of experts and scholars presented innovative research on textile materials and engineering technologies, textile bioengineering design and informatics, and clothing bioengineering. These sessions were marked by lively discussions, problem exploration, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.

A series of impressive outstanding plenary lectures were delivered on the theme of "Biomedical and Functional Textiles" in the morning, which not only covered a wide range of cutting-edge topicsbut also connected seamlessly, showcasing the latest research and future directions in the field. 

In the afternoon, the plenary session focuses on "Wearables, Digital and Sustainable Technologies," where experts from around the world delivered insightful academic presentations online.  These presentations covered a wide range of topics, including materials science, digital fashion, and sustainable development, showcasing the innovative and forward-looking aspects of contemporary textile technology.

At the FTD-ESG-ESPR workshop forum, scholars and experts from France, the UK, and China presented the latest research and technological advancements in the textile field. Professor Xianyi Zeng (ENSAIT, France) opened the session with an introduction to the FBD_BMODEL project and the FBD Foundation, detailing the project's goals and its role in advancing digital transformation in the textile industry. This was followed by Professor Yi Li (The University of Manchester, UK), who discussed research on sustainable and circular textiles, exploring cutting-edge achievements in achieving textile sustainability and circularity. Next, Tim Jun Li (Digital Clothing Limited, UK) explained the application of the FBD platform for ESG and ESPR regulatory compliance, demonstrating how the platform meets environmental, social, and governance standards. Chathura Sudharshan (Seamless Source, UK) then shared insights on the future of transparency and circularity, discussing the role of digitalization and information transparency in achieving a circular economy. Zhangchi Liu (Qingdao University, China) introduced innovations and entrepreneurship in the textile supply chain based on digital twin technology, showcasing how this technology drives supply chain innovation. These presentations provided attendees with valuable academic resources and practical experiences, advancing sustainable development and digital transformation in the textile industry.

The successful conclusion of TBIS 2024 marks another significant gathering of global experts in the field of textile bioengineering and informatics. Through a series of engaging keynote speeches, specialized forums, and academic exchanges, the conference has driven forward cutting-edge research and innovation within the textile industry. Participants deeply explored key topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and advanced technology applications, providing clear direction for the future development of the textile sector.

Reflecting on the past and looking towards the future, the TBIS conference will return as scheduled next year. In 2025, the conference will be held in Hangzhou, China, tentatively set for August 18-22, 2025. This will mark the 18th edition of TBIS, where scholars will once again convene to further explore the future and potential of textiles. During the TBIS 2024 closing banquet, Prof. Seung Kook An gave a conclusion mark of TBIS 2024 and thanked participants and volunteers for their contributions. TBIS 2025 conference Chair, Vice President of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Professor Juming Yao delivered a welcome message to TBIS 2025, marking the symbolic transition from TBIS 2024 to TBIS 2025, witnessed by all the attendees.

The TBIS 2024 Organizing Committee would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the organizers, co-organizers, supporters and all delegates of TBIS 2024!