Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Established 1958

Colloid and surface chemistry pervades countless areas of science and technology. It is the foundation of nanotechnology, and finds applications across a wide range of commercial sectors.

It is colloid scientists who control the release of active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, who create foams for shaving, and develop new ceramics and microfluidics systems.

The Colloid and Surface Chemistry Group (CSCG) was founded by SCI past-president Sir Eric Rideal, a pioneer in the field after whom SCI’s annual Rideal Award and Lecture is named – a coveted prize for scientists working in colloid and interface science. In addition to the Rideal Award, the CSCG awards the McBain Medal and the Thomas Graham Lecture.

Message from the Chair

Message from the Chair

Dr Richard Greenwood

Chair

‘Colloid science is a broad, dynamic topic, spanning a wide range of areas within soft matter, from classical dispersions and surfactants, to biological interfaces and biocolloids, nanoparticles for drug delivery, formulation science, self-assembled systems, ‘smart’ materials and active matter.

Since 2002, the CSCG has worked closely with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Colloid and Interface Science Group, providing for the UK colloid and interface science community across academia and industry, running various meetings and conferences.

We are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in colloid science – chemists, engineers, physicists, biologists, pharmacists, food scientists – and we welcome you to our meetings!’

Meet the Committee Officers

Azarmidokht Gholamipour-Shirazi

Secretary

Dwaipayan Chakrabarti

Vice Secretary

Dr Fiona Hatton

Treasurer

Dr Richard Greenwood

Chair

Dr Craig Fairgrieve

Awards Coordinator

Key Facts

  • Established in 1958 by Sir Eric Rideal, founder of the Rideal Trust which funds Rideal Travel Bursaries
  • In 2002, the RSC’s Colloid and Interface Science Group joined forces with SCI’s Colloid and Surface Chemistry Group to form the SCI-RSC Joint Colloids Group
  • Colloids include a variety of complex materials, such as liquids in liquids (emulsions), solids in liquids (dispersions), liquids in gases (aerosols or foams), solid dispersions and biosystems