The focus of the Clay Conference is clay as host rock for geological disposal of radioactive waste and the use of compacted swelling clays as an engineered barrier component. Considering design, construction, operation and post-closure, the Clay Conference provides a unique networking platform for sharing scientific and technological knowledge. This involves gathering together experienced specialists and newcomers from various disciplines related to clays, as well as scientists and technicians from organisations engaged in radioactive waste disposal or in other uses of the subsurface in which clay barriers play an important role. We particularly encourage young scientists in all fields of nuclear safety and waste management to present their research findings at the Clay Conference 2024.