Measuring Molecular Assembly Workshop

CMAC post-doctoral researchers: Dr Karen Robertson (University of Bath) and Dr Anna Jawor-Baczynska (University of Strathclyde), and Prof Chick Wilson from University of Bath presented their research at the Measuring Molecular Assembly workshop organised by the National Physical Laboratory and the EPSRC Directed Assembly Grand Challenge Network. The workshop promoted discussions on how to observe, measure and control processes which are facilitated by molecular assembly, such as crystal nucleation. Participants shared experience on what kind of observations and measurements should be made to better understand the initial assembly of molecules (nucleation process) as well as how to control the molecular assembly on surfaces and interfaces in order to prevent or promote the assembly (e.g. eliminate fouling problem). The question how to monitor the processes in real-time, how and what combined techniques (multiple measurements) can be applied to better understand and control processes that are run in continuous operation mode has been raised by Prof Wilson. The follow up meeting on process-ability will be held in P&G (Egham) in October.