The Systems Chemistry 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.
In the 2026 edition, we will focus on shared tools and bridging gaps between different disciplines, as young scientists come together to discuss their (pre-)published work, while ensuring a maximum of interactions between participants.
Systems chemistry is a rapidly emerging interdisciplinary field of science that strives to describe complex life-essential behaviours, from its emergence on earth to its potential fine-tuned creation in a laboratory and incorporation into materials. With the classical fields of natural (physics, chemistry, and maths) and biological sciences having already established their foundational principles, systems chemistry calls for the collaboration of these fields to harness the acquired knowledge to understand the origins of chemical complexity and rationally design bespoke functional complex systems. Topics of study include supramolecular interactions, feedback loops, catalysis, self-organisation and self-replication, etc, as well as extended chemical reaction networks that look at how separate processes affect each other. The success of systems chemistry in fulfilling its role is challenging as it is contingent with the interdisciplinary jargon being accessible to facilitate the dialogue between specialists in different disciplines.
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 15, 2026. 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.
