New Aspects of Micro- and Macro-scopic Flows in Soft Matters

Summary
Soft matter plays an important role in nearly every aspect of our daily lives and soft-matter research is a driving force for innovation and commercializations. Soft matter materials cover polymers, paints, liquid crystals, cosmetics, foams, amphiphilic systems, biofluids, emulsions, muds, and granular matter, to name a few. Rheology is the study of the flow of matter. Questions of stability and rheology of soft matter materials are often raised under varying processing conditions. The macroscopic behavior of soft matters is strongly influenced by their microstructure and interfacial properties. New developments in microfluidics have offered unique opportunities to access high strain rates and spatial confinement which can induce microstructural transitions in soft matter systems, leading to interesting rheolgoical responses.

The XVIIth International Congress on Rheology (ICR) will take place in Kyoto, Japan from August 8 to August 13, 2016 (http://icr2016.com/). The Congress convenes every four years and brings together the world’s leading rheologists to present the latest advances and developments in the field of rheology and soft matter. Taking advantage of this opportunity, we propose to organize a workshop at OIST immediately after XVIIth ICR meeting, to bring leading researchers in the world with the reduced cost.

This workshop aims to: (a) discuss the most recent development and new aspects of soft matter research in both micro and macro-scopic contexts; (b) elucidate the relation of microscopic structure, dynamics and interparticle/molecular interactions of soft matters with novel rheological properties; (c) build synergy and initiate collaborations between OIST and world experts; (d) showcase interdisciplinary research activities of OIST, and target potential postdoc and graduate student recruitments. These goals will be accomplished through 3.5 days of talks and informal discussions.

OIST is deeply committed to the advancement of women in science, in Japan and worldwide. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program & Abstracts
Please see attached file
(The program is subject to change. Thank you in advance for your understanding.)