On behalf of the German Materials Society (DGM), we are pleased to welcome you to the International Materials Science and Engineering Congress – MSE 2026 in Darmstadt, Germany. Crystallography, as a fundamental aspect of materials research, plays a crucial role in understanding and designing new materials. Its contributions are integral to many recent breakthroughs in materials science and engineering, and we look forward to exploring these connections during the course of the conference. With a range of sessions including plenary talks, highlight lectures, poster presentations, and social events, there will be ample opportunities for learning and networking. Whether attending in person or virtually, we encourage you to engage actively and contribute to shaping the future of materials science.