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 Group
are 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 event will be of interest to researchers working on colloid and polymer chemistry, fine chemicals, formulated products, tribology, materials science, and bio-interfaces. The meeting will focus on modulating interfacial interactions, with both physical and chemical means, for the development of sustainable chemical products and process.

Programme

Friday 19 March 2027

10.00: Registration and refreshments
10.25: Welcome and introduction
10.30: Halim Kusumaatmaja, University of Edinburgh
11.20: Lorna Dougan, University of Leeds
12.00: TBC
12.40: Lunch and posters
13.40: Lunch and posters
14.20: Bjornar Sandnes, Swansea University
15.00: TBC
15.40: Refreshment break and posters
16.00: 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 8Feb 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

John Mcintyre conference centre

The University of Edinburgh
18 Holyrood Park Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5AY

Conference Team

Tel: +44 (0)20 7598 1561

Email: conferences@soci.org

Booking Process/Deadlines

Booking terms and conditions

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