The Liquid Crystals GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
At the forefront of liquid crystal science, interdisciplinary early career researchers collaboratively bind the principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering to solve modern challenges while building a niche in their field. The Liquid Crystal (LC) Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) is a curated space that encourages the growth of budding researchers' independent and communal identities. It enables scientists to discuss cutting-edge unpublished research ideas while making lasting collaborative relationships.
The two-day LC-GRS, which precedes the LC-GRC, comprises research presentations, poster sessions, and a mentor panel, all initiating the collaborative sharing of new ideas and project development. Following each research talk, discussion leaders facilitate open dialogue on the work and open questions presented. The mentor panel, composed of academic and industry professionals at various stages in their careers, is planned to coach and guide new researchers with multi-modal resources to find success in the LC field. Finally, poster sessions allow all attendees to source feedback and propel forward their research.
This year, we direct the seminar's attention to solving time-sensitive contemporary problems on society's doorstep. How can we view innovation and discovery in the LC field as tools to meet today's pressing challenges? How are young scientists in our field developing solutions in regenerative medicine, sustainable energy, the human-tech interface, and more? We encourage those applying for the GRS to also apply for the GRC immediately after the seminar, July 6 – 11, 2025.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by March 30, 2025. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
