Soft matter science is relatively new, emerging prominently in the 1980s and early 1990s, with significant organizational development occurring over the last several decades. Polymers, colloids, foams, granular materials, and biomaterials are all examples of soft matter. Researchers and academic institutions have been steadily investing resources in these materials for their potential in industrial chemistry, biomechanics, medical robotics, and climate sustainability. Dr. Jan Genzer, NC State Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Professor served as one of the organizing Chairs of the 8th International Soft Matter Conference (ISMC-2024) which was held in Raleigh, NC from July 29 to August 2, 2024. The 8th International Soft Matter Conference was the first event organized in the Western Hemisphere. This event brought together scientists from different subfields of soft matter (polymers, colloids, biological systems) with different expertise (chemists, physicists, biologists, engineers) to exchange ideas and techniques to accelerate progress in each area and soft matter science.
Another objective of ISMC-2024 is to raise the international visibility of soft matter research in the United States. Six previous ISMCs have been organized in Europe (Aachen, Germany (2007); Granada, Spain (2010); Rome, Italy (2013); Grenoble, France (2016); Edinburgh, United Kingdom (2019); Poznan, Poland (2022)). The seventh ISMC, held in Osaka, Japan (September 4-9, 2023), together with the eighth ISMC planned for Raleigh, are starting the “Soft Matter Around the World in Three Years” conference series that rotates among continents every year. A non-profit organization, Soft Matter Association of the Americas (SMAA), has been established to connect and facilitate soft-matter-related activities such as workshops, summer schools, and conferences across professional societies, local grassroots organizations, and industry.
Dr. Genzer and his collaborators designed the ISMC-2024 program with the assistance of the International Program Committee and the SMAA Advisory Board. A satellite Young Investigator Symposium for students and postdoctoral fellows was also organized two days before the 8th International Soft Matter Conference. KIETS support leverages complementary support from the NC State Vice Chancellor for Research, Provost Office, College of Sciences, College of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Nonwovens Institute, and BTEC. Support is also being provided by conference partners at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition, Dr. Genzer invited support from the NSF, Department of Defense, as well as industry and philanthropic organizations.