Abstract The Inter American Materials Cooperation (CIAM) Workshop “Trends on Novel Materials” provided a setting for interdisciplinary scientific exchange to gather knowledge on new tendencies on materials research. The Workshop gathered a number of the region's top scientists to reveal the most up‐to‐date development and applications of novel materials. It was an appropriate venue for science and engineering students and researchers to develop working relationships to broaden research activities. The event's poster sessions offered an opportunity to interact with young researchers who shared their investigative experiences. Materials research and their processes will greatly improve our quality of life through efficient and environmentally friendly energy production systems. Materials research will bring about great and reliable changes in IT systems, transportation infrastructure, industrial tools, communications, better health care options, and numerous areas in science and technology. Materials research practically encompasses the whole spectrum of scientific and technological knowledge; thus, all initiatives in this direction will translate into increased progress for the benefit of our fragile earth. Our work will, undoubtedly, yield positive socio‐economic impact. We wish to express our most sincere gratitude to our sponsors, and acknowledge that without their generous support these avenues of exchange would not be possible. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which has always promoted and supported network initiatives in materials science; the Colombian Science and Technology agency (COLCIENCIAS) as part of the Inter American Materials Cooperation (CIAM) effort, the Excellence Center for Novel Materials (CENM), and Universidad del Valle were all instrumental in furthering this workshop to aid in strengthening the region's scientific community. The Trends on Novel Materials workshop urged us to think, innovate, and apply the knowledge we have gathered and shared through such noteworthy scientific.