Events by Royal Society of Chemistry RSC Interest Groups

The Great British Food Festival is returning to the stunning surroundings of the Warrington region to bring together the finest artisanal culinary creations, top regional producers, and vibrant live entertainment! Set against scenic parkland, this highly anticipated event offers an unmissable weekend out for food lovers, families, and friends looking to sample, taste, and celebrate the very best of British and international gastronomy. At the heart of the event is the Artisan Food Market, featuring dozens of independent vendors showcasing local cheeses, hand-crafted chutneys, freshly baked breads, gourmet meats, and sweet delicacies. Visitors can interact directly with passionate producers, discover unique ingredients, and take home high-quality regional produce. The Street Food Arena will be buzzing with vibrant smells and flavours, serving up everything from authentic wood-fired pizzas and slow-roasted hog roasts to spicy international street dishes, vegan delicacies, and gourmet burgers. Throughout the weekend, the Main Stage hosts live cooking demonstrations led by acclaimed professional chefs and Great British Bake Off stars. Attendees can gain expert culinary insights, master new cooking techniques, and pick up insider tips on pairing flavors. For those looking for friendly competition, the legendary Men V Food eating challenge and the popular Great British Cake Off contest will take center stage, offering both thrill and laughter for participants and spectators alike. To complement the rich food offerings, the festival features multiple craft bars serving real ales, local gins, pimms, craft ciders, and sparkling wines. Live acoustic sets, regional bands, and family-friendly music performances will keep the festival energy high throughout both days. Families can take full advantage of the expansive activity zones, which include interactive children’s cookery workshops, circus skills sessions, inflatable play areas, and face painting. With its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and comprehensive entertainment program, the Great British Food Festival is a premier celebration of UK food culture.

Collectormania Milton Keynes is an upcoming entertainment event organised by Showmasters Events and scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 October 2026 at centre:mk in Milton Keynes. The event brings together film and television fans, collectors, cosplayers, exhibitors and pop culture enthusiasts for a weekend filled with celebrity appearances, professional photoshoots, autograph opportunities and memorabilia shopping. According to the official event information, the event will return to Middleton Hall and is described as a free-to-enter comic convention, creating an accessible opportunity for fans to enjoy a large-scale entertainment experience. The event is especially significant for fans who enjoy meeting actors and television personalities connected with popular screen entertainment. The published guest list includes names such as Brian Blessed, Chris Barrie, Sophia Myles, Chelsea Padley, Craig Charles and Connor Byrne. Guest availability, appearances and individual activities may vary, so attendees should review official updates before planning specific autograph or photoshoot experiences. Why Collectormania Milton Keynes is an exciting entertainment event Collectormania Milton Keynes offers a broad combination of experiences rather than focusing on just one aspect of fandom. Visitors can meet special guests, explore exhibitor stalls, participate in cosplay and enjoy professional photography opportunities. The event also provides a place for fans to discover memorabilia and connect with others who share interests in film, television, science fiction, fantasy and wider popular culture. One of the strongest attractions is the opportunity to meet recognised guests in person. Celebrity appearances can create memorable experiences for fans who want to obtain autographs, take professional photographs or simply enjoy conversations connected with the entertainment industry. For collectors, these experiences can also add a personal dimension to items that are already important parts of their collections. The event is also designed to appeal to visitors who enjoy browsing. Hundreds of stalls are expected to feature TV and film memorabilia, giving attendees the opportunity to explore collectibles, merchandise and items associated with popular entertainment franchises. For many visitors, discovering a rare or unusual item is an important part of the convention experience. Special guests create memorable moments for fans and collectors Celebrity guests are one of the central attractions of Collectormania Milton Keynes. The event information highlights several special guests from the worlds of film and television, giving visitors the opportunity to see familiar personalities in a live event environment. The published guest lineup includes Brian Blessed, Chris Barrie, Sophia Myles, Chelsea Padley, Craig Charles and Connor Byrne. Meeting a favourite actor or television personality can be an important experience for fans. Autograph sessions allow visitors to personalise memorabilia, while professional photoshoots offer an opportunity to create a lasting visual memory of the event. These activities are particularly popular among dedicated collectors and fans who follow the careers of performers across different films and television programmes. Because guest schedules can change, visitors should check official event updates for the latest information about attendance, session timings and booking requirements. Some guest experiences may have separate charges even though the main event is advertised as free to enter. Professional photoshoots offer fans a special event experience Professional photoshoots are another important feature of Collectormania Milton Keynes. These sessions provide fans with the opportunity to have professionally arranged photographs taken with participating guests. For many attendees, a photoshoot becomes one of the most memorable parts of a convention visit. Professional photography can also make the event attractive to visitors who want a high-quality keepsake. Instead of relying only on informal photographs, fans can take part in an organised experience designed around the guest and the attendee. Photoshoots are often planned around specific schedules, so attendees should review official information and purchase or reserve sessions where required. The presence of professional photoshoots also adds to the event's appeal for collectors, fan groups and visitors travelling from different parts of the United Kingdom. It gives the weekend a structured programme of activities that extends beyond shopping and browsing. Cosplay brings creativity and community to the convention Cosplay is a major part of modern pop culture events, and Collectormania Milton Keynes includes cosplay among its event features. Cosplay allows fans to recreate characters from films, television programmes, comics, games and other forms of popular entertainment. For participants, cosplay can involve creative costume design, character interpretation and performance. For other visitors, seeing a wide range of costumes contributes to the atmosphere of the event and creates opportunities for photography and community interaction. Cosplay also makes the event particularly appealing to younger fans and families. It encourages visitors to participate actively rather than simply observe. Attendees should follow the organiser's official cosplay guidelines and event rules when preparing costumes and props. Exhibitors provide opportunities to discover film and TV memorabilia The exhibitor area is expected to be another important part of the Collectormania Milton Keynes experience. Visitors can browse stalls featuring film and television memorabilia, collectibles and other items connected with popular entertainment. Collectors may be searching for a specific item, while casual visitors may simply enjoy discovering something unusual. The wide variety of products typically found at fan events can make the exhibitor area one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. For independent sellers and specialist exhibitors, events such as Collectormania provide an opportunity to reach an audience that already has a strong interest in entertainment merchandise. Visitors can explore different stalls, compare items and discover collectibles that may not be easily found in conventional retail environments. The venue provides a central setting for the three day event The event will take place at centre:mk in Milton Keynes, with the main activity located at Middleton Hall. The venue is a well-known destination within Milton Keynes and provides a central setting for a large public entertainment event. The event opening schedule is listed as Friday 16 October from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday 17 October from 09:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 18 October from 10:00 to 17:00. This three-day format allows visitors to choose a day that suits their schedule or attend across the full weekend. The different opening hours also give visitors flexibility. Friday may appeal to attendees who prefer a quieter opening-day experience, while Saturday traditionally provides a full day for visitors seeking maximum time to explore the event. Sunday offers another opportunity to attend and enjoy the remaining activities and exhibitor displays. Why collectors should consider attending Collectormania Milton Keynes Collectors are an important audience for this event because it combines access to memorabilia with opportunities to meet entertainment personalities. A collector may attend to find a specific item, discover new pieces for a collection or obtain a signed item from a favourite performer. The event also offers a social environment where collectors can share interests and discuss different aspects of their collections. For people who enjoy film and television memorabilia, a convention provides a more engaging experience than simply buying products online. The combination of celebrity appearances, exhibitors and fan activities makes the event relevant to both experienced collectors and newcomers. Someone attending their first pop culture convention can explore different areas of the event, while established collectors can focus on specialist items and guest experiences. A family friendly environment for entertainment enthusiasts Collectormania Milton Keynes can appeal to a broad range of age groups. Families can explore the event together, young fans can enjoy cosplay and pop culture displays, and adult collectors can spend time browsing memorabilia and meeting guests. The variety of activities means that visitors do not need to share exactly the same interests to enjoy the event. One family member may be interested in celebrity guests, another may enjoy cosplay, while another may prefer browsing the exhibitor stalls. The free-to-enter format also makes the event more accessible for visitors who want to experience a large entertainment convention without paying a general admission fee. However, certain optional experiences such as autographs and professional photoshoots may have separate costs or booking requirements. Planning a successful visit to the event Visitors should plan their visit in advance, particularly if they want to meet specific guests or participate in photoshoots. Checking the official event website before travelling is important because schedules, guest appearances and activity details can change. Attendees should also consider the amount of time they want to spend at the event. Visitors interested in shopping may need several hours to explore exhibitor stalls, while fans planning multiple guest experiences may want to organise their day around published session schedules. Comfortable clothing and practical planning can also improve the experience. Since conventions can involve significant walking and time spent exploring different areas, visitors may benefit from allowing enough time for queues, photographs and browsing. The importance of checking official event updates Entertainment events can experience changes to guest schedules, activity times and operational arrangements. For this reason, visitors should check the official Collectormania Milton Keynes website and Showmasters Events channels before attending. The official event information confirms the event dates, venue, opening times, guest lineup and major features. It also provides information about photoshoots, autographs, ticketing and other event services. Checking the latest information helps attendees make better plans and avoid relying on outdated details. It is especially important for visitors travelling from outside Milton Keynes or planning specific guest experiences. Collectormania Milton Keynes connects entertainment with fan culture At its core, Collectormania Milton Keynes is a celebration of the communities that surround film, television and popular culture. It brings together fans, performers, exhibitors and collectors in a shared environment where entertainment interests become a social experience. The event's combination of celebrity guests, professional photoshoots, autographs, cosplay and memorabilia creates a diverse programme for visitors. This variety is one of its main strengths because it gives attendees multiple ways to participate. Whether someone is a dedicated collector, a film and television fan, a cosplayer or simply looking for an entertaining weekend activity, the event provides several reasons to attend. Its central Milton Keynes location and three-day format further support its appeal as an accessible UK entertainment event. Final Thoughts Collectormania Milton Keynes is an upcoming Showmasters Events production designed for fans of film, television, collecting and popular culture. Taking place from 16 to 18 October 2026 at centre:mk in Milton Keynes, the event will feature special guests, autograph opportunities, professional photoshoots, cosplay and exhibitors offering TV and film memorabilia. With a free-to-enter main event and a wide range of optional fan experiences, Collectormania Milton Keynes offers an accessible and engaging weekend for collectors, families, cosplayers and entertainment enthusiasts. Visitors interested in attending should check the official event website for the latest guest information, schedules, ticket details and activity updates before making their plans.

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.