Events by Royal Society of Chemistry RSC Interest Groups

The Sustainable Manufacturing Summit 2026 is a leading UK conference dedicated to transforming the manufacturing sector through innovation, sustainability, and advanced engineering. Organized by the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Project, this two-day event brings together manufacturers, technology providers, researchers, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders who share a common vision of building a smarter, greener, and more resilient manufacturing industry. Manufacturing continues to evolve rapidly as businesses seek solutions that improve productivity while reducing environmental impact. Digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy integration, and circular economy principles are reshaping industrial operations worldwide. The Sustainable Manufacturing Summit 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity to explore these developments and understand how organizations can remain competitive while achieving sustainability goals. Whether you represent a large manufacturing organization, a growing SME, a research institution, or a technology company, this conference offers practical knowledge, strategic insights, and valuable networking opportunities that will help prepare your business for the future. Why Attend Sustainable Manufacturing Summit 2026? The manufacturing industry faces unprecedented challenges including rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, environmental regulations, and increasing customer expectations for sustainable production. This conference has been carefully designed to address these challenges by showcasing practical solutions and innovative technologies. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge through keynote presentations, technical sessions, expert panel discussions, live demonstrations, and collaborative workshops. Industry experts will discuss emerging manufacturing trends, smart factory technologies, digital engineering, industrial automation, additive manufacturing, and low-carbon production methods. Participants will also learn how businesses can improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, lower emissions, and embrace circular manufacturing strategies while maintaining profitability. Conference Highlights Throughout the event, visitors can participate in numerous activities designed to support professional growth and business development. Inspiring Keynote Speakers Industry leaders, academic researchers, and manufacturing innovators will present the latest developments in sustainable production, digital transformation, and industrial engineering. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Discover innovative equipment and software solutions that improve productivity while supporting environmental sustainability. Sustainability Best Practices Experts will explain practical methods for reducing energy consumption, improving resource efficiency, and implementing circular economy principles within manufacturing operations. Live Technology Demonstrations Experience real-world demonstrations of robotics, automation systems, digital twins, AI-powered manufacturing, industrial IoT solutions, and predictive maintenance technologies. Professional Networking Meet manufacturing executives, engineers, suppliers, technology companies, policymakers, educators, and investors during structured networking sessions. Conference Topics The conference covers a wide range of subjects relevant to modern manufacturing. Smart Manufacturing Explore Industry 4.0 technologies including connected factories, cloud manufacturing, industrial data analytics, and machine learning applications. Artificial Intelligence Learn how AI improves production planning, quality control, predictive maintenance, inventory optimization, and supply chain management. Robotics and Automation Discover collaborative robots, automated production lines, autonomous logistics systems, and flexible manufacturing technologies. Digital Engineering Understand how simulation, digital twins, virtual commissioning, and digital design improve manufacturing efficiency. Sustainable Production Gain practical strategies for reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, conserving resources, and improving energy efficiency. Circular Economy Learn how manufacturers can reuse materials, recycle resources, extend product lifecycles, and create sustainable supply chains. Renewable Energy Discover how renewable energy integration supports long-term manufacturing sustainability. Workforce Development Understand the skills required for future manufacturing careers and how organizations can prepare employees for digital transformation. Who Should Attend? This conference welcomes professionals from across the manufacturing ecosystem. Ideal attendees include: Manufacturing managers Production engineers Mechanical engineers Industrial engineers Sustainability professionals Factory managers Research scientists University academics Government representatives Innovation specialists Technology providers Automation experts SME owners Business executives Students pursuing engineering careers Benefits of Attending Visitors will leave with practical knowledge that can immediately benefit their organizations. Benefits include: Learning about cutting-edge manufacturing technologies Discovering sustainable production techniques Building valuable business partnerships Meeting industry experts Understanding future manufacturing trends Improving operational efficiency Finding innovation funding opportunities Exploring collaborative research projects Expanding professional networks Enhancing career development Industry Collaboration Collaboration remains essential for accelerating manufacturing innovation. The Sustainable Manufacturing Summit encourages partnerships between industry, universities, government agencies, and technology providers. Participants can explore collaborative research initiatives, innovation funding programs, technology transfer opportunities, and regional manufacturing support networks. These collaborations help businesses adopt advanced manufacturing practices more quickly while reducing implementation risks. Innovation Exhibition Alongside the conference sessions, attendees can visit an exhibition featuring innovative manufacturing technologies. Exhibitors will showcase: Smart factory software Industrial automation Robotics AI solutions Industrial IoT platforms Sustainable materials Additive manufacturing equipment Digital engineering tools Energy management systems Environmental monitoring technologies Visitors can interact directly with solution providers, compare technologies, and identify practical solutions for their manufacturing operations. Networking Opportunities Professional networking is one of the event's greatest strengths. Delegates will have opportunities to connect during: Welcome reception Business networking sessions Exhibition visits Panel discussions Coffee breaks Lunch networking Roundtable discussions Innovation showcases These interactions frequently lead to business partnerships, research collaborations, recruitment opportunities, and long-term professional relationships. Sustainability at the Core Environmental sustainability remains central to the conference mission. Sessions will explore: Carbon reduction strategies Green manufacturing Energy-efficient production Waste reduction Resource optimization Sustainable product design Circular supply chains Climate resilience ESG reporting Environmental compliance Organizations will gain actionable guidance for integrating sustainability into everyday manufacturing operations. Why This Event Matters Manufacturing continues to play a critical role in the UK's economy. As global industries move toward cleaner production methods and digital transformation, businesses must innovate to remain competitive. The Sustainable Manufacturing Summit 2026 serves as an important platform for sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration, and accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies that support long-term economic growth and environmental responsibility. Whether your goal is improving productivity, reducing emissions, implementing smart factory technologies, or expanding your professional network, this conference delivers valuable insights and meaningful opportunities. Attendees will leave inspired by the latest innovations, equipped with practical knowledge, and connected with professionals who are shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing across the United Kingdom and beyond. Final Thoughts The Sustainable Manufacturing Summit 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for professionals committed to advancing manufacturing through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. By bringing together experts from industry, academia, government, and technology sectors, the conference creates an environment where ideas become practical solutions. Participants will gain access to expert knowledge, emerging technologies, valuable partnerships, and actionable strategies that support both business growth and environmental stewardship. As manufacturing continues to evolve, events like this provide the essential connections and learning experiences needed to drive future success. Organizations looking to embrace sustainable manufacturing, improve operational excellence, and prepare for Industry 4.0 will find this conference an invaluable investment in their future.

The UCISA Business Relationship Management Community Day 2026 is one of the leading professional development events dedicated to business relationship management within the higher education technology sector. Organized by UCISA, the event brings together digital leaders, IT professionals, business relationship managers, and institutional decision-makers from universities and colleges across the United Kingdom. Taking place on 8 September 2026 at University House, Peterborough, this one-day conference provides an outstanding opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from experienced practitioners, and explore innovative approaches to strengthening collaboration between IT departments and institutional stakeholders. As universities continue to accelerate digital transformation, effective business relationship management has become increasingly important. The conference focuses on building strategic partnerships, improving service delivery, aligning IT initiatives with institutional goals, and enhancing communication across academic and administrative departments. Delegates will gain valuable insights into successful projects, practical frameworks, governance models, and emerging technologies that support higher education institutions in delivering exceptional digital services. Why Attend? This conference is specifically designed for professionals working within higher education technology environments who wish to improve strategic engagement between IT teams and institutional leadership. Attendees will benefit from: Learning directly from experienced higher education digital leaders. Discovering proven business relationship management strategies. Understanding how institutions successfully manage digital change. Networking with peers facing similar organisational challenges. Exploring practical solutions that can be implemented immediately. Conference Programme The event features a carefully designed agenda consisting of keynote presentations, expert discussions, practical case studies, collaborative workshops, and networking sessions. Topics expected to be covered include: Business Relationship Management frameworks Strategic IT planning Digital transformation programmes Stakeholder engagement Service excellence Governance and leadership Change management Innovation in higher education Technology-enabled student services Building collaborative institutional cultures Each session is intended to provide practical knowledge rather than purely theoretical discussions, allowing attendees to return to their institutions with actionable ideas. Expert Speakers The conference welcomes experienced professionals from universities across the UK who have successfully led transformational projects. Presentations are expected from: University CIOs Directors of Digital Services Business Relationship Managers Enterprise Architects IT Strategy Leaders Digital Transformation Specialists Higher Education Technology Consultants UCISA Community Representatives Speakers will share real-world experiences, lessons learned, implementation challenges, and measurable outcomes from successful institutional initiatives. Networking Opportunities Networking remains one of the strongest benefits of UCISA events. Participants will have multiple opportunities to connect during: Registration Refreshment breaks Lunch Interactive discussion sessions Community networking activities These conversations frequently lead to long-term professional relationships, collaborative projects, and the exchange of valuable institutional experiences. Who Should Attend? This conference is ideal for professionals involved in digital strategy and technology leadership, including: Chief Information Officers Heads of IT Business Relationship Managers IT Directors Digital Transformation Managers Service Delivery Managers Enterprise Architects Change Managers Programme Managers University Technology Leaders It also benefits professionals responsible for aligning technology investments with institutional priorities. Learning Outcomes After attending the event, delegates will better understand: Effective stakeholder engagement techniques Strategic relationship management Modern IT governance Digital transformation leadership Service improvement methodologies Institutional collaboration Communication strategies Innovation management Community best practices Future technology trends within higher education Benefits for Institutions Sending staff to this conference helps institutions strengthen their digital capabilities through improved collaboration and strategic planning. Expected organisational benefits include: Better alignment between IT and university objectives. Improved communication across departments. Stronger service management practices. Enhanced digital leadership capabilities. Increased collaboration across higher education institutions. Access to proven implementation strategies. Better understanding of sector-wide challenges. Opportunities to benchmark against peer institutions. UCISA UCISA (Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association) is the leading professional membership organisation supporting digital and information professionals across higher and further education in the United Kingdom. The association delivers conferences, webinars, specialist communities, research, professional development opportunities, and networking events that help institutions improve technology services and digital innovation. Its community-driven approach encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development throughout the sector. Venue Information University House in Peterborough provides a modern professional conference environment suitable for collaborative learning and networking. The venue offers excellent meeting facilities, presentation rooms, breakout spaces, and accessibility for delegates travelling from across the UK. Its central location makes it convenient via road and rail connections, enabling professionals from universities nationwide to attend with ease. Why This Event Matters Business relationship management has become a strategic capability rather than simply an operational function. As universities face increasing expectations around digital services, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, student experience, and operational efficiency, stronger partnerships between IT and institutional leadership are essential. The UCISA Business Relationship Management Community Day provides practical guidance, sector expertise, and valuable networking opportunities that empower attendees to drive meaningful digital change within their organisations. Whether delegates are beginning their business relationship management journey or are experienced digital leaders seeking fresh perspectives, this conference offers valuable learning, collaboration, and professional growth. By participating, attendees become part of a national community committed to improving technology leadership across UK higher education while sharing innovative ideas that benefit institutions, staff, and students alike.

The "Bridging the Gap from Surface Science to Heterogeneous Catalysis" Faraday Discussion is a flagship event in the physical chemistry community. Faraday Discussions have a unique format where the primary focus is on the discussion of papers rather than just the presentation of them. Research papers are distributed to attendees well in advance, allowing for a deep, technical dive into the subject matter during the live sessions in London. This particular event targets the critical divide between idealized surface science models and the "real-world" complexity of heterogeneous catalysts. Over three days, the conference will address four primary themes. First, it investigates new experimental methods for observing catalysts in action, emphasizing operando techniques that allow scientists to see chemical changes in real-time. Second, a significant portion of the event is dedicated to the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models on catalysis research. This includes how machine learning can predict "material genes" and accelerate the discovery of new catalysts. Third, the discussion delves into chemical mechanisms and system analysis, identifying the specific intermediates that drive industrial reactions. Finally, the event explores the rational design of self-repairing active sites, a holy grail for catalyst longevity. The venue, Burlington House, is the historic home of the Royal Society of Chemistry, providing a prestigious backdrop for such high-level discourse. This event is ideal for those who want to be at the forefront of sustainable chemistry, as improvements in catalysis are central to solving energy and environmental challenges. Whether you are an industrial researcher looking for the next breakthrough in efficiency or an academic probing the fundamental physics of surfaces, this Faraday Discussion offers a level of engagement and peer review that is unmatched in other conference formats.

Intellectual Property (IP) is the lifeblood of the chemical industry, yet many researchers remain unfamiliar with the nuances of patent law. The "What a Chemist Needs to Know About Patents" seminar, organized by the RSC and the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), is a tailored workshop designed to bridge this knowledge gap. Scheduled for mid-May 2026 in London, this one-day intensive course is essential for any chemist involved in innovation, whether in an academic spin-out or a large multinational corporation. The program is led by expert patent attorneys and experienced industrial chemists who have successfully navigated the patent landscape. The curriculum covers the fundamental requirements for patentability: novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. However, it goes beyond the basics to address chemistry-specific challenges, such as how to claim a broad class of chemical compounds (Markush structures) without being overly speculative, and how to handle the disclosure of experimental data. Participants will learn about the "prior art" search process, the timeline of a patent application, and the critical importance of keeping accurate laboratory notebooks for legal purposes. Case studies form a core part of the afternoon session, where attendees analyze real-world chemical patents to understand why they were granted or why they failed. There is also a strong focus on "Freedom to Operate" (FTO) analyses—ensuring that your new product doesn't infringe on existing patents. This seminar is particularly valuable for those looking to transition from the lab to management or commercial roles. By the end of the day, chemists will be better equipped to communicate with legal professionals and protect their valuable discoveries, ensuring that their scientific hard work translates into protected commercial assets.

The 2026 RSC Chemical Biology and Bio-organic Group (CBBG) Postgraduate Symposium is a premier annual gathering designed to highlight the intersection of chemistry and biology. This event serves as a vital platform for early-career researchers, particularly PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, to showcase their cutting-edge research to a specialized audience. Chemical biology is a rapidly evolving field that uses chemical techniques and tools to study and manipulate biological systems, and this symposium captures the full breadth of that diversity. The forum is structured to facilitate intense scientific exchange. It features a keynote plenary lecture by Professor Mark Bradley, a leader in the field known for his work in high-throughput chemical biology and imaging. Beyond the invited talk, the day is packed with contributed oral presentations and extensive poster sessions. These sessions are meticulously organized to encourage dialogue between young scientists and established academics, fostering a collaborative environment that often leads to future research partnerships. Attendees can expect to explore topics ranging from the synthesis of novel bioactive molecules and the development of chemical probes to the study of biosynthetic pathways and medicinal chemistry applications. The symposium is not just about data; it is about community. It provides a unique space for the next generation of chemical biologists in London and the wider UK to refine their presentation skills, receive constructive feedback from peers, and gain insights into the latest methodological advances. The event concludes with a reception, providing a more informal setting for networking and career discussions. For any postgraduate student or researcher working at the bio-organic interface, this event is an essential fixture in the 2026 academic calendar.

The 9th Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry Symposium is a premier three-day gathering hosted by the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemical Information and Computer Applications Group (CICAG) and the Biological and Medicinal Chemistry Sector (BMCS). As artificial intelligence and deep machine learning continue to revolutionize the chemical sciences, this event serves as a vital nexus for researchers, data scientists, and industry leaders to discuss the latest breakthroughs and practical applications. The symposium kicks off with a highly anticipated "Introduction to AI in Chemistry" workshop on Day 1. This session is specifically designed to provide participants with foundational skills in Python and Jupyter notebooks, ensuring that even those new to the field can engage with the technical discussions that follow. The subsequent days are packed with a diverse program featuring keynote lectures from world-renowned experts, oral presentations on cutting-edge research, and rapid-fire flash presentations that highlight emerging talent. Attendees will explore a wide range of topics, including generative molecular design, predictive analytics for chemical reactions, and the integration of AI into laboratory automation. Beyond the formal presentations, the event emphasizes community building through poster sessions and open debates, allowing for granular discussions on the ethical implications and future trajectories of AI in science. Whether you are an academic researcher looking to implement ML models or an industry professional seeking to optimize R&D pipelines, this symposium offers the tools and networking opportunities necessary to stay at the forefront of the digital chemistry revolution. The Royal Society of Chemistry remains committed to accessibility, offering a limited number of bursaries for PhD students and early-career researchers to ensure a diverse and vibrant exchange of ideas in the heart of London.

The Advances in Chemical Analysis of Food V is a high-level scientific symposium that marks the fifth installment of this highly successful series. Jointly organized by the RSC Food Group and the RSC Separation Science Group, the event is dedicated to the latest methodological and technological breakthroughs in the chemical analysis of food products. As global food supply chains become increasingly complex, the role of precise chemical analysis in ensuring safety, authenticity, and nutritional quality has never been more critical. Taking place in April 2026 at the historic Burlington House in London, the symposium provides a specialized forum for analytical chemists to discuss the transition from traditional laboratory techniques to high-throughput, automated, and portable sensing technologies. The program is carefully curated to cover diverse topics, including the detection of emerging contaminants (such as microplastics and PFAS), advanced mass spectrometry for food metabolomics, and the use of isotopic analysis for food fraud prevention. A unique feature of this year's meeting is the integration of "Data Science in Analysis," exploring how machine learning algorithms are being used to interpret complex chromatograms and spectral data. The event structure includes plenary lectures from industry leaders, rapid-fire presentations for early-career researchers, and a dedicated poster session. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with equipment manufacturers showcasing the latest in LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR technology specifically tailored for food matrices. This series remains a vital touchstone for any professional involved in the rigorous science of what we eat.