SCI Formulation Forum 8th annual event: Innovation: culture, process, strategy, delivery

Synopsis

The annual SCI Formulation forum event, now in its 8th iteration, brings together researchers, students, and industry experts to delve into the forefront of formulation across different industry sectors. 
 
This dynamic symposium offers a comprehensive platform for technology innovation and approaches that are shaping the future of formulation. Join us to discuss common and diverse challenges in design, testing and characterisation of formulations from research stage to market. Innovation can be transformative, game changing, disruptive, and is crucial to the continuing success of companies. Discover how important innovation is in formulation design and development, ideas for how you can be more innovative and network with people with an innovation mindset.

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Attendees

This event will be of interest to industrialists, academics and students working in the field of formulation science and product design, chemistry, colloids, physical sciences, analysis, pharmaceuticals, food, biological sciences and environmental sciences amongst others.

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The Innovation in Formulation and Formulation Science Award

This award recognises formulation innovations equally in both business and academia and acknowledges leading work where formulation innovation has delivered new solutions that lead and inspire the formulation community. Submissions are invited from scientists, both in academia and industry, for formulation science and formulation related developments which are considered worthy of the Formulation Science Award. The deadline for applications is Monday 16 November 2026. To apply, click here and for more information, please email awards@soci.org.   

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Confirmed speakers

Innovation in functional nanocomposite coating formulations for enhanced H₂S removal
Dr Shirin Alexander, University of Swansea

Title to be confirmed
Suzanne Allers, Untapped Innovation

Developing innovative formulations with industrial partners
Prof Steven Armes, University of Sheffield

Innovating formulation in nano-confined space
Prof Wuge Briscoe, University of Bristol     

From ideas to impact: Improving innovation performance using a rules-based framework
Prof J Grant Burgess, Leanova

Supporting 10 years of innovation and ready for the next 10
Dr Graeme Cruickshank, CPI, National Formulation Centre

Innovating industrial formulations in a difficult to decarbonise sector
Prof Peter Dowding, Infinium

Title to be confirmed
Prof Jeremy Frey, University of Southampton

Can nanoparticles improve diagnostic or even treat cancers?
Prof Nguyen Thanh, UCL

Title to be confirmed
Dr Amr Elsherbeny, MESOX

Eco-sustainability and sensoriality at the base of the future of cosmetic formulations
Dr Gustavo Luengo, L’Oréal

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Programme

Eminent speakers will be invited by the organising committee. There will also be a call for submissions for both talks and posters covering original research, opening in the Autumn. Submissions are welcome on both formulation innovation and general formulation science and technology.

The full programme will be confirmed in due course.

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Sponsorship and exhibitor information

For further information and prices, please email conferences@soci.org.

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Call for oral and poster abstracts

Contributions are invited from researchers and PhD students working in the formulation science field to submit an abstract for oral or poster presentation. Abstracts are invited both on innovation in formulation and on general formulation topics. An abstract of maximum 300 words indicating title, authors, and institution should be sent to conferences@soci.org. An Abstract_Template can be downloaded. 

Oral presentations - deadline is Monday 12 October 2026. Please submit with the subject line “SCI Formulation forum 2026 – oral submission”.

Poster presentations - deadline is Monday 16 November 2026. Please submit with the subject line “SCI Formulation forum 2026 – poster submission”.

Presentation slots are inevitably limited and will be allocated to achieve a balanced programme – researchers may be invited to contribute a poster if submission is not chosen for flash poster presentation. Prizes will be awarded for the best flash presentation and poster. 

 

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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.

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Venue and Contact

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Booking Process/Deadlines

Booking terms and conditions

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CPD Info

All delegates attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.

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Organising committee

Celina Worraker, University of Nottingham
Colin Bain, University of Durham
Daniel Hodgson, University of Edinburgh
Eva Tsolaki, UCL
Jade Owen, Pharmaron
Kathryn Knight, Croda
Magdalena Kierkowicz, UCB
Malcolm Faers, Bayer
Stefania Gardoni, UCL
Stephen Byard, Quotient Sciences
Scott Reid, University of Strathclyde

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