The Ian Ward Lecture: Professor Dame Julia Higgins

The Soft Matter Research Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, are delighted to present this year's Ian Ward Lecture, by Professor Dame Julia Higgins, DBE FRS FREng.

Title: Seeing is believing: Using neutron scattering to understand behaviour in polymeric materials

Abstract: The way long molecules organise themselves and move around gives rise to their behaviour such as the bounce, stretchiness and stickiness of rubbery materials.

Understanding this relationship needs both models of the molecular behaviour and a way of “seeing” it in real life. Light is no help for these opaque materials but cunning use of the properties of the neutron provides a different way of “seeing”.

Bio: Dame Julia Higgins is a polymer scientist who has used techniques from physical chemistry to open up an exciting field of study. Julia extended her reach to include management, policy making and advisory roles whilst working to foster gender equality and diversity amongst scientists.

Her early research career focused on fundamental polymer science - a new area of research at that time - where she applied the technique of neutron scattering to the structure, organisation and movement of polymers. Her current work explores the behaviour of mixtures of polymers, observing the boundaries at which they meet and also how they separate.

The one hour lecture starts at 14:00, followed by a small reception.

To attend this event, please register via Eventbrite.