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

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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

Committee and contacts

Chair	Professor Nigel Clarke, CPhys MInstP
Secretary	Professor Joao Cabral, FInstP
Treasurer	Dr Zhenyu Zhang, MInstP
Co-opted Member	Dr Valeria Arrighi, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Professor Paola Carbone, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Dr Francesco Del Giudice, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Dr Christopher Finlayson, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Mr Chris Kerr, MInstP
Co-opted Member	Dr Alisyn Nedoma, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Dr William Sharratt, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Dr Manlio Tassieri, MInstP
Ordinary Member	Dr Michael Weir, MInstP

Email: [email protected]