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Frontiers in physical chemistry for lignin valorisation Faraday Discussion

10 - 12 September 2025, London, United Kingdom


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Please be aware that the Royal Society of Chemistry will never ask you to register for an event, or to book accommodation, by phone or email. Registrations for RSC events are handled via our usual online booking system. Whilst we do sometimes work with accommodation providers in order to facilitate hotel bookings, they would never approach you in the first instance. If we are working with accommodation providers for this event, their contact details will be in the ‘Accommodation’ section of this webpage. 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. All official RSC emails end with “@rsc.org” only.
Introduction

Welcome

Join us in London in September 2025 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.

On behalf of the organising committee, we look forward to welcoming you to London.

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.

Discover London
The Discussion will take place at Burlington House, Piccadilly, in the centre of London and its historic attractions. Step out to explore the capital city while you’re here – or stay a few extra days to explore the city further and the surrounding area.

Themes

This Faraday Discussion aims to further the understanding of the physical-chemical processes that are the basis for lignin extraction, stabilisation and degradation. Focusing on the latest developments in lignin valorisation, this Faraday Discussion will bring together researchers at the forefront of physical-chemical research.

Native lignin solvation and extraction
This session will discuss the physical chemistry of the early stages of the delignification of plant biomass including: molecular understanding of native lignin and supramolecular interactions; mechanistic understanding of native lignin solvation in different classes of solvents; simulations of dynamics of lignin in lignocellulosic matrices and solutions; structure and dynamics of solvated lignin;  advanced characterisation of lignocellulosic materials.

Lignin stabilisation and degradation in lignocellulosic fractionation processes
This session will focus on: solvent effects, thermodynamics and kinetics aspects of the stabilisation and competitive degradation routes in lignin extraction; molecular mechanisms involving lignin in solution including the interplay between hemicellulose and lignin chemistries; mechanisms of catalytic processes for lignin stabilisation and controlled depolymerisation; fractionation of lignin oil to produce well-defined fractions of lignin products.

Commercially available technical lignins
Commercially available technical lignins feature complex polymeric structures, rendering the determination and standardisation of the physical-chemical properties of technical lignins very difficult. This session will focus on: materials and processes for the separation of lignin and products; experimental measurements and computational predictions of thermodynamic properties of technical lignins; separation process simulations; solubility parameters of technical lignins.

Strategies for compatibilisation of extracted lignin properties with commercial applications
Technical lignins seldom feature the properties required for their utilisation in the value chains of the chemical industry. In this session, the discussion will be centred on how to match the compatibility of lignin with market-relevant matrices (e.g., polymers, aqueous formulations, solvent-borne formulations). We will discuss: relationships between structure and physical chemical properties of technical lignins; environmentally benign methods for fractionation and modification of technical lignins; physical chemistry of lignin compatibilisation with market-relevant matrices.

Speakers
Abstract submission

Abstract submission is now open

Oral abstracts

Submit an oral/paper abstract if you wish to be considered for an oral presentation and associated published paper.  A full research paper containing new unpublished results always accompanies oral presentations at Faraday Discussions. The oral/paper abstract should outline current research in progress. Authors of the selected abstracts must then submit a full research paper with a significant amount of new, unpublished work by 28 April 2025.

The research papers are reviewed upon submission and are sent to all delegates 4 weeks before the meeting so they can be read in advance. At the meeting the presenting author is allowed five minutes to highlight the main points of their paper, and the rest of the time is for discussion. The discussion is recorded and will be published alongside the research paper in the Faraday Discussions volume.   

Poster abstracts 

Submit your poster abstract by 30 June 2025. Posters are displayed throughout the meeting and a poster session is held on the first evening.  A poster prize will be awarded to the best student poster presented at the conference.

Additional information

All oral and poster abstracts will be reviewed by the committee. Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process within about 6 weeks of the submission deadline. The abstracts should be no longer than one A4 page in portrait layout. Please ensure you provide the details of the presenting author and indicate whether you are submitting an abstract for oral or poster presentation.
Registration
In-person registration includes:
  • Attendance at all scientific sessions
  • Attendance at the poster session
  • Refreshments throughout the meeting and lunch on all three days
  • Attendance at the poster drinks reception on 10 September
  • Attendance at the conference dinner on 11 September
  • Access to all journal paper PDF “pre-prints” before the meeting
  • Access to recordings of all scientific sessions post-event
  • For full paying delegates, a copy of the Faraday Discussions journal volume, issued approximately 5 months after the meeting, containing all papers presented at the meeting and accompanying discussion comments. Student delegates may purchase a copy of the volume at less than half price, during the registration process or on site at the meeting.
Please note accommodation is not included in the registration fee.

All prices quoted do not include VAT, which is added during registration at the prevailing rate in the UK
 
Early bird Standard
Non-member £545+VAT £595+VAT
RSC member £435+VAT £485+VAT
Student non-member £265+VAT £315+VAT
Student RSC member £215+VAT £265+VAT
Accommpanying person £125+VAT £125+VAT

Virtual registration includes:
  • ​Live access to all scientific sessions
  • Access to all journal paper PDF “pre-prints” before the meeting
  • Access to recordings of all scientific sessions post-event
All prices quoted do not include VAT, which is added during registration at the prevailing rate in the UK
 
Standard
Non-member £155+VAT
RSC member £130+VAT
Student non-member £95+VAT
Student RSC member £70+VAT

A copy of the Faraday Discussions journal volume containing papers presented at the Discussion (issued approximately 5 months after the meeting) is not included in the virtual registration fee. Delegates may purchase a copy of the volume at less than half price, during the registration process or on site at the meeting. 

RSC members and student RSC members

If you are a Royal Society of Chemistry member and wish to register for this meeting, please select the member option on the online registration page. You will need to enter your membership number.

Non-member and student non-members

For non-member registrants, affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry until the end of 2025 is available. The affiliate membership application will be processed and commence once the registrant has attended the event. 

Student delegates

In order to encourage undergraduate or postgraduate students to attend the Discussion, a reduced conference fee is available for students. This fee applies to those undertaking a full-time course for a recognised degree or a diploma at a university or equivalent institution.

A copy of the Faraday Discussions journal volume containing papers presented at the Discussion (issued approximately 5 months after the meeting) is not included in the student registration fee. Students may purchase a copy of the volume at less than half price, during the registration process or on site at the meeting.

Accompanying person

If you would like to bring a guest to the conference, this can be done during the registration process. There will be an additional charge, which will include all lunches, refreshments and the conference dinner. The fee does not include attendance at any scientific sessions, journal paper pre-prints or the journal volume.

Accessibility

The Royal Society of Chemistry is keen to encourage and enable as many people as possible to attend our events, to benefit from the networking opportunities and the chance to hear talks from leaders in the field. If you would like to discuss accessibility, or have childcare, caring responsibilities or other care needs, please contact us to discuss your requirements so that we can enable your attendance. Please refer also to our Grants for Carers fund; for more information please see the ‘bursaries’ section on this page.
 

Terms and Conditions for Events run by the Royal Society of Chemistry

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 Grant 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 Assistance Grants.

Sponsorship & supporting organisations
There are opportunities available to become a Faraday Discussion sponsor and exhibitor, as well as poster session and abstract book advertising options. A sponsorship menu document is available to download from this page with more details and prices.

If you would like more information about sponsoring the 2025 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


The Burlington House (Royal Academy) courtyard is located on the north side of Piccadilly, directly across the street from Fortnum and Mason. The Royal Society of Chemistry is located on the right hand side of the Burlington House courtyard.

Travel

By underground: The nearest stations are Green Park or Piccadilly Circus; both are a 5-minute walk to the venue. If you use Green Park please leave via Piccadilly Northside and look for the Royal Academy entrance, turn left out of the station, you will see the red flags of Burlington House ahead of you.

By train: London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street or London Victoria train stations are the most accessible and then require a short tube journey to the venue You can take either the Piccadilly or Victoria line to Green Park or Piccadilly tube stations and only the Victoria line to Green Park from Victoria station

By coach: National Express operates a comprehensive coach service to most parts of the country from Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, Sw1W 9TP
National Express coaches: www.nationalexpress.com
Megabus low-cost coach tickets: http://uk.megabus.com

By bus: Bus numbers 14, 19, 22 and 38 all stop near to Burlington House.
Committee
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