Phishing warning 01-May-2024
We are aware of phishing emails targeting speakers of events whose names appear on our events pages. If you are unsure if an email regarding event registration or accommodation has come from us please contact us and do not provide any credit card details or personal information.

Bridging the gap from surface science to heterogeneous catalysis Faraday Discussion

20 - 22 April 2026, London, United Kingdom


Introduction

Welcome

Join us in London in April 2026 for this edition of the Faraday Discussion series. The Faraday Discussions are unique international discussion meetings that address current and emerging topics at the forefront of the physical sciences.

Why attend?

Find out more about Faraday Discussions in the video and FAQs – see Useful links on the right.
 
A unique conference format that prioritises discussion
At a Faraday Discussion, the primary research papers written by the speakers are distributed to all participants before the meeting – ensuring that most of the meeting is devoted to discussing the latest research.
 
This provides a genuinely collaborative environment, where discussion and debate are at the foreground. All delegates, not just speakers, are invited to make comments, ask questions, or present complementary or contradictory measurements and calculations.
 
An exciting programme of talks – and more
Take part in a well-balanced mix of talks, discussion, poster sessions and informal networking, delivered by our expert events team. You can explore the full programme in the downloadable files on the right – whether you’re attending in-person or online, every minute provides an opportunity.
 
The conference dinner, included in the registration fee, contains the Marlow Cup ceremony: a unique commemoration of past Faraday Discussion organisers that is sure to encourage further discussions over dinner.
 
In-depth discussion with leaders in the field
World-leading and established researchers connect with each other and early-career scientists and postgraduate students to discuss the latest research and drive science forwards. It’s a unique atmosphere – and challenging others to get to the heart of the problem is encouraged!
 
Your contributions, published and citable
A citable record of the discussion is published in the Faraday Discussions journal, alongside the research papers. Questions, comments and remarks become a valuable part of the published scientific conversation, and every delegate can make a major contribution.

Themes

This Faraday Discussion will bring together the heterogenous catalysis and surface chemistry communities with the aim to advance our knowledge to design the new catalysts needed for society’s most pressing problems ranging from energy production, air quality and transportation to environmentally sustainable industry. The Discussion will be organised into four themes: 
 
New experimental methods for observing catalysts in action 
This session will focus on the dynamic nature of catalytic surfaces. Monitoring structural and chemical changes non-invasively during reactions poses a significant challenge in catalysis research. The operando methodology discussed in this section integrates the characterization of a catalyst's structure and composition while it is operational with the analysis of its performance. This comprehensive approach allows for a deep understanding of the catalyst's morphology, structure, surface/bulk composition, and their intricate interactions with reacting molecules and conditions.  
 
Impact of artificial intelligence on heterogeneous catalysis 
To apply AI and especially large language models effectively in catalysis research, fundamental changes are needed in the way experimental and computational data are reported. Data will be a central part of the discussion, including a critical analysis of databases (computational and experimental data), the quality of data and metadata, and the challenges of obtaining data.  We will also discuss which AI methods are expected to yield breakthroughs, the role of generative large language models, machine-learning force fields, the concept of “materials genes” in heterogenous catalysis, uncertainty quantification, and more.  
 
Chemical mechanisms and system analysis in heterogeneous catalysis 
The catalyst surface is dynamically and chemically involved in the reaction and may change its chemical composition and physical structure due to the ongoing catalytic reactions that release heat and involve the catalyst’s atoms. We will discuss experimental and theoretical challenges in how we identify key reaction intermediates, elementary reaction steps and active configurations of the most important elementary reactions. 
 
Rational design of dynamic and self-repairing active sites   
The development of new strategies for catalyst design that allow for the prediction of their dynamic changes and ability to self-repair is crucial for achieving control over their long-term activity, selectivity, and stability. We will discuss novel approaches that can be employed in the design of atomically precise sites and the design of stable precursor structures that can be dynamically converted to active sites by adsorbed reactants/intermediates during the catalytic reaction. We will also consider whether self-assembly principles can be used to control the stability and repair of the active sites. 
Speakers
Bursaries

Grants for Carers

With our Grants for carers, you can apply for up to £1,200 per year to help you attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference or workshop or a professional development event. This money would be used to cover any additional costs you incur, paying for care that you usually provide.  Please visit the website for further information and eligibility criteria.

Accessibility Grants

With our Accessibility grants, you can apply for up to £1,200 per year to help with the cost of specific support to attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference, workshop or professional development event. This support might be any form of equipment, service, or other personal expense associated with meeting your access needs.

Researcher Development and Travel Grants

If you are an RSC member and you are one of the following:
  • a PhD student actively undertaking a PhD course in the chemical sciences;
  • a researcher in the chemical sciences (including post docs, research technicians and research assistants);
  • working in academia, industry or any sector;
  • within 10 years of leaving full time education (at the time of the application deadline).
You can apply for up to £500 to support your participation in this event. Please note it is not necessary to have confirmation of abstract acceptance before applying for a Researcher Development and Travel Grants and we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Please see the website for up-to-date information on eligibility, how to apply and submission deadlines.

Researcher Development and Travel Grants can be applied for in addition to Grants for Carers and Accessibility Grants.
Sponsorship & supporting organisations
A selection of sponsorship opportunities is available for companies who would like to promote their activities at the 2026 Faraday Discussion series. 
 
If you would like more information about sponsoring the 2026 Faraday Discussion series, please contact the Commercial Sales Department at the Royal Society of Chemistry on advertising@rsc.org
Venue
The Royal Society of Chemistry

Royal Society of Chemistry, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BA, United Kingdom

Committee
Contact information
Search
 
 
Showing all upcoming events
Start Date
End Date
Location
Subject area
Event type

Advertisement
Spotlight


E-mail Enquiry
*
*
*
*