19 March 2027
McBain Medal 2026
Organised by:
SCI's Colloid & Surface Chemistry Group and RSC's Colloid & Interface Science Group
University of Edinburgh, UK
Synopsis
SCI's Colloid & Surface Chemistry Group and RSC's Colloid & Interface Science Groupare delighted to announce that Dr Christopher Ness of the University of Edinburgh is the 2026 recipient of the McBain Medal. Christopher has been awarded the McBain Medal for 2026 in recognition of his significant contributions to colloid and suspension science. He has published over 50 highly cited papers and has established an international reputation in the suspension rheology community. His work, using simulations in collaboration with experimentalists, has led to major advances in the fundamental physics and rheology of suspensions.
The McBain Medal is presented annually to an early career researcher (within 15 years of the award of a PhD) for outstanding achievement in colloid and interface science. This full day meeting will honour Dr Christopher Ness and at the same time the Medal will be presented.
Attendees
This meeting will bring together researchers interested in the physics and engineering of complex particulate materials, spanning granular matter, dense suspensions, rheology, soft matter, and formulated products. It will focus on understanding and controlling the interactions, microstructure, and mechanics that determine how particles flow, pack, jam, separate, and process, linking fundamental particle-scale physics with the development of more sustainable materials, products, and manufacturing processes.
Programme
Friday 19 March 2027
- 10.00
- Registration and refreshments
- 10.25
- Welcome and introduction
- 10.30
- Complex interplay between interfacial flows and particle dynamics: From self-cleaning surfaces to colloidal self-assembly and particle granulation
Halim Kusumaatmaja, University of Edinburgh - 11.20
- Protein assembly across scales: From molecular interactions to functional soft materials
Lorna Dougan, University of Leeds - 12.00
TBC- 12.40
- Lunch and posters
- 13.40
Mazi Jalaal, University of Cambridge- 14.20
- Friction, flow and pattern formation in grain–fluid systems
Bjornar Sandnes, Swansea University - 15.00
- The shape of resistance: Yield stress in industrial crystallisers
John Hone, Syngenta - 15.40
- Refreshment break and posters
- 16.00
- Jamming and flow of high aspect ratio particles
Christopher Ness, University of Edinburgh - 16.40
- Closing remarks and medal presentation
Sponsorship information
Please see the sponsorship pack and email conferences@soci.org to let us know which package you are interested in.Call for abstracts
Opportunities are available for a limited number of posters and for 4 x 20 minute talks. Interested applicants should send an abstract of maximum one A4 page or 300 words, indicating title and authors to, conferences@soci.org by Monday 8 Feb 2027 with the subject line “McBain medal 2026 – poster submission” “McBain medal 2026 – short talk submission” An abstract template can be downloaded. We especially welcome talks from early career researchers and doctoral students.Accessibility Grants
SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.
Venue and Contact
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
18 Holyrood Park Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5AY
Conference Team
Tel: +44 (0)20 7598 1561
Email: conferences@soci.org
Fees
| Early bird - ends Friday 12 February SCI/RSC* Member - £70 Non-member - £90 SCI/RSC** Student Member - £45 |
| After early bird SCI/RSC* Member - £100 Non-member - £120 SCI/RSC** Student Member - £65 |
**RSC student members should enter the Event discount code EJRCOLL736S and select "Guest member" under the section member type. Delegates will be contacted for their membership number after successful registration.
All registrations will automatically receive a confirmation within 24 hours of registering for the event. Should you not receive written confirmation of your booking, please email conferences@soci.org.
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Booking Process/Deadlines
CPD Info
All delegates attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.
Partners
Organising committee
Richard Greenwood, University of Birmingham
Shirin Alexander, University of Swansea