About the event
Join the Henry Royce Institute and Anton Paar for a practical workshop exploring how rheology and advanced characterisation can support the design, testing and translation of biomaterials. The session will bring together researchers, technical specialists and facility users to examine measurement approaches for hydrogels, soft biomaterials, biological tissues, polymeric systems and biomaterial composites, with a focus on both the opportunities and practical challenges of working with hydrated, viscoelastic and structurally complex materials.
Through research presentations, technical demonstrations, case studies and facilitated discussion, delegates will see how different rheometer configurations can be applied alongside complementary techniques such as imaging, spectroscopy, microscopy and mechanical testing. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to discuss unmet analytical needs, identify future method-development opportunities, and connect with Royce and Anton Paar specialists around potential collaborations and facility access.
Date: Monday, 23 November 2026
Time: 10:00–16:30
Location: Royce Hub Building, University of Manchester
Who should attend?
This workshop is for academic and industry researchers, technical specialists and facility users working on biomaterials characterisation. It will be most useful for people who want practical advice on rheological testing, method selection, data interpretation or access to specialist capability.
What to expect
The day will include short talks, practical demonstrations, application examples and discussion. Attendees will be able to ask technical questions, compare approaches, share measurement challenges and find out where Royce or Anton Paar support may be relevant to their work.
Proposed aims
- Demonstrate the range of Anton Paar rheometer configurations available for biomaterials research.
- Illustrate how complementary and orthogonal measurement capabilities can be integrated with rheological testing.
- Share practical approaches for characterising hydrogels, soft biomaterials, biological tissues, polymeric systems and biomaterial composites.
- Identify unmet analytical needs and future opportunities for biomaterials characterisation through Royce facilities and expertise.
- Connect researchers with Royce and Anton Paar technical specialists.
Programme
Morning session: Rheology platforms and biomaterials applications
10:00–10:30 | Registration, coffee and networking
10:30–10:35 | Welcome and introduction
10:35–10:55 | Rheology as an enabling capability for biomaterials research
10:55–11:20 | Anton Paar rheometer platforms and measurement configurations
11:20–11:35 | Refreshment Break
11:35–12:30 | Research case studies
12:30–13:15 | Lunch and networking
Afternoon session: Demonstrations and future opportunities
13:15–14:45 | Rotating rheometer demonstration sessions
14:45–15:05 | Refreshment break
15:05–15:30 | Royce capabilities for future biomaterials analysis
15:30–15:55 | Future measurement opportunities and unmet needs
15:55–16:15 | Collaboration and project development session
16:15–16:25 | Summary and next steps
16:25–16:30 | Closing remarks
16:30 onwards | Optional informal networking and facility discussions
Cost and registration
This event is free to attend, but places may be limited. Registration details will be confirmed shortly and a detailed agenda will be sent closer to the event date.
November 23 2026
