Dr Rees-Zimmerman wins prize at European colloids conference

Dr Rees-Zimmerman’s talk, ‘Insights into colloid–polymer depletion interactions, as measured via an inverse method’, highlighted work she has conducted in collaboration with University of Oxford Chemistry undergraduate Esme Bailey and Christ Church's Professor Dirk Aarts. Their research focuses on measuring how colloidal particles – tiny nano- to micrometre-sized particles dispersed in liquids – interact with one another. These interactions underpin the behaviour of a wide range of everyday products, from personal care items to food. 

The presentation demonstrated how the team’s newly developed measurement method can be applied to systems containing both colloids and polymers. Polymers – long-chain molecules commonly found in plastics and gels – are widely used in consumer products to modify texture and stability. The research has also benefitted from collaboration with Professor Remco Tuinier’s group at TU Eindhoven, who are developing models of the system and comparing them with the Oxford team's experimental measurements.

Speaking about the award, Dr Rees-Zimmerman said: ‘I was grateful simply for the opportunity to present at such a major conference, and even more delighted to be awarded a presentation prize. The organisers noted that they had convened very strong judging panels comprising leading scientists, so I am pleased our work was recognised.’ 

The recognition comes as the group’s paper is accepted for publication detailing their method, including open-source code for use by other researchers.