Hosted by the RSC Surface Coatings Special Interest Group
Join us for an inspiring, knowledge‑packed day exploring the future of coatings science. Advances in Coatings will bring together leading innovators, researchers, and industry specialists to share cutting‑edge developments shaping the next generation of coating technologies.
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This year’s programme focuses on two areas that are key to Advances in Coatings:
Ìý• AI in Formulation and Coating Chemistry
Uncover how artificial intelligence and data‑driven tools are transforming formulation strategies, accelerating experimentation, and opening new opportunities for predictive coating design.
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• Challenges in Coating Characterisation: “The Devil in the Coatingâ€
Delve into the complex world of coating behaviour, performance, and analytical techniques—and discover what really happens beneath the surface.
Speakers
Associate Professor Shijing Sun
University of Cambridge
UK
Dr. Dennis Maleska
Evonik Applied Research & Technology HTE EMEA
Germany
Dr Bogdan Nenchev
Intellegens
UK
Speaker to be confirmed
CPI
UK
4. Dr. Julia Parker
Research Complex at Harwell
UK
Dr Mark Isaacs
University College London
UK
Professor Manish K. Tiwari
University College London
UK
Professor Ben Beaker
Micro Materials
UK
Sander van Loon
VLCI
Netherlands
Speaker to be confirmed
Coatings Manufacturer
UK
Committees
Dr Laura Merritt
Merritt Recruitment Ltd
UK
Prof Stuart Clarke
University of Cambridge
UK
Peter Collins
Peter Collins Coatings Consultancy
UK
Dr Avishek Dey
University College London
UK
Prof Zhenyu Zhang
University of Birmingham
UK
Prof Robert Palgrave
University College London
UK
Event details
Poster Session:Ìý Advances in Coatings
Students, postdoctoral researchers, and recent graduates are encouraged to participate in our poster session, with prizes awarded for the best entries. Deadline for poster title submission 1st August 2026.
Deadlines
Conference Fees
- RSC Member: £80
- Non‑RSC Member: £100
- RSC Student: £20
- Non‑RSC Student: £25
Included in the Registration Fee
All delegates will receive:
- Arrival tea and coffee
- Mid‑morning refreshments
- Lunch
- Mid‑afternoon refreshments
Deadlines
The Exchange
Assembly Room, The Exchange, The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR, UK