The Solid State 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.
Solid state chemistry is a multifaceted field focusing on the synthesis, characterization, theory, and application of functional materials. While historically siloed, it is clear the combination of synthesis, characterization, theory, and application leads to a whole greater than the sum of its parts. This seminar will explore the intersection of these domains towards understanding structure-composition-property relationships and the discovery of cutting-edge materials. We welcome research presentations, either in poster or oral form, on a range of solid state chemistry topics including but not limited to: energy generation and storage, quantum materials, magnetic materials, exploratory synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, materials modelling, and fundamental materials studies. We encourage sharing work at the interface of solid state chemistry domains using approaches such as in situ experiments, operando experiments, and theory-guided synthesis.
This seminar will provide a unique platform for graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and scientists at similar career stages to share their research, network, and engage in scientific exchange in a supportive, collaborative setting. We emphasize the sharing of unpublished work to stimulate a lively discussion among participants and collectively develop new insights about the materials discovery process. In addition to oral and poster presentations, this seminar will feature a panel with mentors from academia, national laboratories, and industry. This mentorship component connects attendees and early career scientists who share valuable insights into the job search process and highlight distinct career paths for emerging researchers.
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 April 19, 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.
