More than 1,000 delegates are attending the 21st International Meeting on Lithium Batteries (IMLB 2022), held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) this week.

The five-day event, taking place 27 June – 1 July, is being hosted by Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, and managed by ICMS Australasia.

It is the world’s pre-eminent meeting on lithium battery research where scientists and energy researchers from Australia and beyond will discuss the challenges and opportunities in how Li-ion technology can help mitigate climate change and build a fossil fuel-free economy.

“It is particularly pleasing to see that while this is a hybrid meeting over two-thirds of delegates have chosen to attend IMLB 2022 in-person,” ICMS Australasia owner and managing director, Emma Bowyer said.

This is the first time IMLB 2022 has been held in Australia, providing an opportunity to highlight the country’s resource strength in minerals used in lithium battery technologies and demonstrate its research capabilities.

Delegates will hear keynote presentations from dozens of world-leading scientists, researchers and academics, including Special Advisor to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technology and former Chief Scientist, Professor Alan Finkel.

The event will conclude with a relaxed gala dinner at Luna Park, providing attendees, many of whom have not attended an in-person event for more than two years, with the opportunity to come together in one of Sydney’s most iconic venues.

IMLB 2022 is also being supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Australian Battery Society, NSW Government and Business Events Sydney (BESydney).

BESydney chief executive officer Lyn Lewis-Smith said securing meetings like IMLB 2022 are part of a targeted strategy by BESydney to attract events that align with the NSW Government’s priority sectors.

“Our research has demonstrated the significant impact hosting these prestigious global events on home soil can have for the acceleration and growth of Australian industry, exposing local experts to world’s best practice, building global connections, attracting investment, fast-tracking research collaborations and showcasing Sydney opportunities to entice global talent here,” Lyn-Lewis said.