Tribology is the science and technology of friction, adhesion, lubrication, and wear. Scientific and engineering research efforts in tribology address the structural, physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms underlying these phenomena across multiple length scales. The practical aim of such efforts to invent, design, develop, and deploy materials, processes, and devices with moving contacting parts with reliable, efficient, long-lasting performance.

The Gordon Research Conference on Tribology is a forum to exchange results of cutting-edge research amongst an interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers. Many of the critical phenomena encountered at sliding interfaces require fundamental study, but are connected to if not critical for applications. The 2016 GRC on Tribology invites scientists and engineers from all disciplines to discuss and debate the forefront research questions in the field, and to share how these questions are motivated by and have impact upon technological applications. For example, nanoscale friction behavior of silica interfaces has been proposed to be relevant to earthquake phenomena; existing and novel molecular additives in lubricants dramatically affect combustion engine tribology; atomic-scale properties of solid lubricants and hard coatings matter for applications ranging from aerospace to hard disks to machining; interfacial chemical reactions lead to the formation of tribofilms that govern sliding in macroscopic contacts.

In the tradition of this conference, we expect a lively and productive exchange of results and ideas in an informal atmosphere that welcomes a richly diverse audience. The meeting will include invited talks on late-breaking results by leading researchers, and will offer extended discussions around excellent contributed posters. From the atomistic simulations of polymer entanglement to the engineering of ceramic seals, from modeling of lubricant flows to the characterization of biomaterials and hard coatings, all contributions are welcome.

The 2016 GRC on Tribology will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar, giving young tribologists the opportunity to present their work to their peers in an unintimidating atmosphere, prepare themselves in tutorial lectures for the GRC, and build networks with colleagues. Industry and academic speakers will talk about career paths, and important open questions and future opportunities related to tribology. We expect lively, informative discussions for the emerging generation of tribologists. Participants of the GRS are encouraged to send questions and suggestions for this session to the GRS Chair in advance to the meeting.