From integrating sensors into clothing to responding to impact, the research presented at AuxDefense 2026 shows how the development of new Defense capabilities begins with materials knowledge.

Technological capability does not begin on the production line. It is built long before that: from studying materials and understanding how they behave under demanding conditions to transforming this knowledge into solutions capable of evolving into new industrial processes and products.

This journey from scientific knowledge to technological development was precisely what the work presented by Fibrenamics at AuxDefense 2026 sought to highlight, demonstrating how advanced materials, auxetic structures and technical textiles can contribute to the development of new Defense and Protection solutions.

Fibrenamics’ scientific contributions to Defense

The work presented reflects the diversity of Fibrenamics’ research areas and how they can address different Defense challenges, from increasing strength and reducing weight to monitoring, thermal protection and maintaining performance after impact.

In the field of composites, Daniel Barros studied the hybridisation of laminates to improve impact performance, seeking to combine strength, lightness and energy absorption capacity.

Gonçalo Oliveira focused on the residual strength of auxetic composite laminates, analysing not only their immediate response to impact but also the performance these structures retain after sustaining damage.

In the field of personal protection, Maria Gonçalves explored the integration of auxetic yarns into seamless knitted structures for low-intensity impacts, aiming to combine performance, flexibility and comfort.

Material sensing was also highlighted in Mónica Ferreira’s work on knitted structures capable of functioning as sensors. These structures change their electrical resistance when pressed or deformed, enabling monitoring functions to be integrated directly into textile materials.

Also in the field of sensory systems, Joana Antunes presented a textile-based electrochemical sensor designed to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol, demonstrating the potential of these materials to support prevention and safety in mobility contexts.

Finally, Tânia Tavares addressed thermal protection through the development of fire-resistant yarns for technical Defense and Protection clothing, with the potential to introduce this functionality through one of the most fundamental elements of any textile structure.

Together, these studies demonstrate that science is a fundamental stage in the technological development process. It is where hypotheses are tested, limitations are understood and the foundations for future decisions are established. However, research does not mark the end of the journey. Scientific results must progress through optimisation, prototyping, testing, integration, certification and production before they can become solutions available to industry and end users.

AuxDefense: bringing science, industry and Defense closer together

Technological capability is not created through an isolated breakthrough. Between research and its application lies a development chain that requires collaboration between universities, technology centres, companies and Defense organisations.

It was precisely to bring these different perspectives closer together that Fibrenamics, the University of Minho and Sciencentris co-organised the 5th edition of AuxDefense – World Conference on Advanced Materials for Defense, held from 1 to 3 July in Funchal.

More than 150 international experts took part in this edition, bringing together different perspectives from research, industry and Defense organisations. The programme included representatives from the European Defence Agency, the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis, Airbus and PRIMA Québec, contributing to a broad discussion on composites, nanomaterials, smart textiles, sensors, advanced ceramics and additive manufacturing.

More than presenting results, AuxDefense provided an opportunity to validate approaches, identify shared challenges and create new possibilities for scientific and technological collaboration. This synergy was also explored by Luís Oliveira, CEO of Fibrenamics, in the opinion article “Defense Begins with Materials”, published in ECO, in which he argues that the future will not necessarily depend on a single extraordinary material, but rather on the ability to combine materials, manufacturing processes, product design and operational knowledge.

Watch the main highlights of the conference in the video: AuxDefense 2026 | Official Event Recap & Technical Highlights.

The science shaping innovation in Defense

In Defense, materials are not the final element of a solution. They are the starting point. Their properties determine the weight of a piece of equipment, the strength of a structure and its ability to absorb impact, withstand extreme temperatures or integrate sensing functions. Scientific research should therefore not be regarded as a stage that is removed from practical application. It is where application becomes possible.

The scientific knowledge presented at AuxDefense demonstrates this reality in practical terms: understanding how a composite behaves after impact, exploring geometries capable of increasing protection, transforming a knitted structure into a sensor or developing fire resistance at yarn level.

The next challenge will be to take this knowledge beyond the laboratory through entrepreneurial vision, innovation initiatives, industrial processes and validated solutions.

Because technological autonomy begins with knowledge, but only becomes firmly established when there is both the will and the capacity to transform it into real-world impact.