A leading physicist from the University of Surrey has received one of the highest honours in his field for a career spanning more than three decades. Professor Joseph Keddie, a Professor of Soft Matter Physics, has been named the recipient of the Sir Eric Rideal Award, a major lifetime achievement award in colloid and interface science.
A Career of Groundbreaking Research and Innovation
An internationally respected figure, Professor Keddie's work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of polymer colloids and soft matter physics. His research portfolio is exceptionally broad, influencing real-world applications in coatings, adhesives, nanocomposites, and even environmental solutions like wastewater treatment. With over 150 academic publications, multiple patents, and a co-authored foundational textbook to his name, his impact on both academia and industry is profound.
His contributions have previously been recognised by premier scientific bodies including the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Chemistry. He also holds a Royal Society Industry Fellowship and is a Fellow of the University's Institute for Sustainability, underscoring the applied and sustainable focus of much of his work.
The Rideal Lecture: "More than Watching Paint Dry"
As part of the award, Professor Keddie will deliver the prestigious Sir Eric Rideal Lecture on 8 April 2026. The lecture, titled provocatively 'More than Watching Paint Dry', will be a centrepiece of the Rideal Lecture and Symposium with the theme 'Polymer Colloids - From Engineering to Biology'.
The presentation promises to showcase landmark moments from his career. Attendees can expect insights into revolutionary self-layering coatings, advanced imaging techniques that reveal the secrets of drying processes, and the development of cutting-edge 'living paints'. These innovative materials are designed to have a positive environmental impact by storing carbon and producing oxygen.
Legacy and Looking Forward
This award cements Professor Keddie's status as a pillar of the global colloid science community. The upcoming lecture in 2026 offers a unique opportunity for peers, industry professionals, and students to engage with the highlights of a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of material science.
Registration for the Sir Eric Rideal Lecture and Symposium is now open and can be completed via the official website of the Society of Chemical Industry. The event is set to be a significant gathering for anyone involved in the science and application of polymer colloids.
