Polymer Physics Group
This is an IOP special interest group, which is a community of IOP members focused on a particular discipline, application or area of interest.
Special interest groups allow members to connect and share knowledge and ideas. The IOP funds groups to deliver a range of activities including events, prizes and bursaries. All of our groups are driven by members.
About the group
As a special interest, member-driven group, we are a forum for everyone interested in the physics of polymers.
We cover all aspects of the physical properties, structure and dynamics of polymers. This includes both synthetic and naturally occurring polymers in the form of:
- gels
- melts
- glasses
- solutions
- elastomers
- semi-crystalline solids
Fundamental phenomena are of interest, along with applications of polymers in technologies, such as:
- foods
- coatings
- medicine
- pharmacy
- composites
- photovoltaics
- optoelectronics
What the group does
We work closely with The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. We enjoy close links with the Pure and Applied Macromolecular Chemistry Group (Macro Group UK) of the RSC and the Society of Chemical Industry, with which we publish a joint newsletter.
We welcome physicists, chemists and engineers from both academia and industry.
Joining an IOP special interest group
For non-IOP members: Become a member now
Group prizes and competitions
Polymer Physics Group Founders’ Prize
This prize is for a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to polymer physics in the UK or Ireland.
Find out more about the Polymer Physics Group Founders’ Prize.
American Physical Society Division of Polymer Physics and Institute of Physics Polymer Physics Group Exchange Lectureship for a young polymer scientist
The recipient is invited to present their work at the American Physical Society meeting, with expenses up to £1,500 paid by us.
Find out more about the lectureship.
Ian Macmillan Ward Prize for the Best Student Publication
This prize recognises the most outstanding publication on a journal website or in printed format by a PhD student.
Find out more about the Ian Macmillan Ward Prize for the Best Student Publication.
Group events
Each year we have several one-day or longer meetings to discuss specific aspects of polymer physics.
Find events for the Polymer Physics Group
Newsletter
- Newsletter, September 2017 (PDF 1.85MB)
- Newsletter, February 2017 (PDF, 5.5MB)
- Newsletter, August 2016 (PDF, 5.6MB)
- Newsletter, January 2015 (PDF, 5.6MB)
Committee and contact
| Category | Name | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Professor Joao Cabral, FInstP | 2024 | 2028 |
| Treasurer | Dr Zhenyu Zhang, MInstP | 2021 | 2025 |
| Ordinary Member | Professor Paola Carbone, MInstP | 2022 | 2026 |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Francesco Del Giudice, MInstP | 2022 | 2026 |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Christopher Finlayson, MInstP | 2023 | 2027 |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Karen Johnston, MInstP | 2024 | 2028 |
| Ordinary Member | Mr Chris Kerr, MInstP | 2023 | 2027 |
| Ordinary Member | Dr William Sharratt, MInstP | 2023 | 2027 |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Manlio Tassieri, MInstP | 2021 | 2025 |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Michael Weir, MInstP | 2023 | 2027 |
- Email: [email protected]