Soft Matter Around the World in Three Years
The Soft Matter activity within IUPAP was originally established as Working Group 15 (WG15) by resolution of the 29th General Assembly, with the aim of strengthening global coordination in the field of Soft Matter Physics.
At the 34th General Assembly (2025), WG15 was formally transformed into Commission 7 (C7): Soft Matter, reflecting the growth, maturity, and strategic importance of the field within the global physics community.
Overview
The Commission on Soft Matter (C7) promotes the exchange of information and collaboration among members of the international scientific community in the broad and interdisciplinary field of Soft Matter Physics.
Building on the legacy of WG15, the Commission supports global initiatives that connect researchers across regions and foster dialogue between academia and industry.
Mission/Mandate
The Commission on Soft Matter (C7) carries forward and expands the original mandate of WG15:
-
To organize and/or assist in the organization of the International Conference “Soft Matter Around the World”, rotating every three years across geographic regions (Europe–Africa, the Americas, and Asia–Pacific)
-
To coordinate soft-matter-related regional, national, and local conferences, meetings, and workshops
-
To promote and support education in soft matter, including summer and winter schools, short courses, and training initiatives
-
To promote soft matter research through information exchange, visibility, prizes, and publications
-
To strengthen connections between academic and industrial soft matter research and development through outreach events, training activities, and collaborative initiatives
