Welcome
Join us in Manchester in April 2026 for this edition of the Faraday Discussion series, unique international discussion meetings that address current and emerging topics at the forefront of the physical sciences.At the cutting edge of nanofluidics, the Discussion topic of molecular and ion flow through angstrom-scale channels, seeks to understand opportunities to measure, control and manipulate nanoscale mass transport through advances in applications such as ionic/molecular separation, gas separation, nanofiltration, desalination, neuromorphic ionic memory, DNA and protein translocation, supercapacitors etc.
The Discussion will bring together established and early-career scientists, postgraduate students and industrial researchers working on nanofluidics to deliver an unmissable opportunity to share and discover new work, reconnect with colleagues and establish new collaborations.
On behalf of the organising committee, I look forward to welcoming you to Manchester.
Radha Boya (Chair)
Why attend?
Find out more about Faraday Discussions in the video and FAQs – see Useful links on the right.A unique conference format that prioritises discussion
At a Faraday Discussion, the primary research papers written by the speakers are distributed to all participants before the meeting – ensuring that most of the meeting is devoted to discussing the latest research.
This provides a genuinely collaborative environment, where discussion and debate are at the foreground. All delegates, not just speakers, are invited to make comments, ask questions, or present complementary or contradictory measurements and calculations.
An exciting programme of talks – and more
Take part in a well-balanced mix of talks, discussion, poster sessions and informal networking, delivered by our expert events team. You can explore the full programme in the downloadable files on the right – whether you’re attending in-person or online, every minute provides an opportunity.
The conference dinner, included in the registration fee, contains the Marlow Cup ceremony: a unique commemoration of past Faraday Discussion organisers that is sure to encourage further discussions over dinner.
In-depth discussion with leaders in the field
World-leading and established researchers connect with each other and early-career scientists and postgraduate students to discuss the latest research and drive science forwards. It’s a unique atmosphere – and challenging others to get to the heart of the problem is encouraged!
Your contributions, published and citable
A citable record of the discussion is published in the Faraday Discussions journal, alongside the research papers. Questions, comments and remarks become a valuable part of the published scientific conversation, and every delegate can make a major contribution.
Discover Manchester
The Discussion will take place in Manchester. Step out to explore the city while you’re here – or stay a few extra days to explore the city further and the surrounding area.
Themes
Structure and dynamics of molecules in angstrom-scale confinementWe will explore how confinement impacts the molecular landscape, offering insights with implications for various applications, including selective separation or filtration, catalysis, nanotechnology, and materials science. Discussion points will focus on atomic-scale resolution techniques, both experimental and computational, to dissect the structural and dynamics of angstrom-scale confinement; how confinement influences the behaviour of molecules involved in biological phenomena; theoretical frameworks governing confined molecules, seeking to reconcile anomalies observed in experimental reports.
Stimuli responsive flows in angstrom-channels
This session will explore how electromagnetic fields, pH, temperature, pressure and chemical gradients influence molecular transport dynamics at this scale. We will also discuss ways to induce nanomechanical actuation or transduction of the channels and its effect of ionic/molecular flows. Attendees can anticipate discussions on the implications of these stimuli-responsive flows for novel ionic/molecular separation strategies, electrokinetic and electroosmotic energy generation, smart switching and gating of flow conductance.
Molecular and ion sieving with angstrom-channels
The session will delve into the fundamental principles and energy barriers (e.g., dehydration, adsorption, entrance and co-ion effects) that underpin molecular and ion sieving in confined angstrom-channels. Discussion points will focus on the quantitative relationship between nanopore/nanochannel characteristics and selectivity in molecular and ion sieving; in-depth examination of the mechanistic aspects underlying steric and electrostatic exclusion mechanisms; design rules for optimizing the energy generation from salinity gradients.
Iontronics and emergent neuromorphic effects under angstrom-confinement
In biological channels and neural synapses, ions play a crucial role in transmitting, generating, and storing signals. This raises intriguing possibilities for applications in neuromorphic computing, innovative computing methods, and the reduction of energy consumption in information processing. Discussions in this session will span from the fundamental understanding of iontronics in angstrom-scale channels, intricate interplay between ionic dynamics and electronic responses within confined spaces to potential applications in neuromorphic computing, supercapacitors and batteries.
