How does order emerge from disorder? Professor Jerry Heng, Professor in Particle Technology in the Department of Chemical Engineering, to explore how crystals first form, how order can re-emerge after disruption, and how new beginnings spark innovation and collaboration.
Please register to attend in person. A live stream for online attendance will be made available on this page.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 13 May!
Imperial Inaugurals are term-time lectures that celebrate our newest Professors, recognising their academic journey and showcasing their research.
Abstract
Crystallisation is at the heart of many processes that shape the materials, medicines, and technologies of modern life. Yet the ability to control the earliest moment of crystal formation remains elusive. This lecture explores the genesis of order enabled by heterogeneous nucleation, where molecules assemble at an engineered interface to increase the probability and propensity for nucleation. Drawing on studies from small organic molecules to peptides and proteins, it reflects on how an interface can be designed to steer the first steps of molecular order. The interface mirrors my own research journey, where many of the most meaningful perspectives crystallised from collaborations across fields, between groups and beyond geographical boundaries. Taking this opportunity to recognise an exceptional group and the collaborators whose generosity and insight have been central to this journey. The lecture will discuss with a recent observation of crystal regeneration — the way order can re-emerge after disruption. As with many aspects of research, from an ending can emerge a new beginning, bringing opportunities for innovation, renewed collaborations, and new paths forward.
Biography
Professor Jerry Heng is a leading figure in particle technology and currently serves as Professor in Particle Technology and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. He joined Imperial in 2006 as a Research Associate before progressing through roles as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader, and finally Professor from 2020 onward. His academic background includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London (2006) and a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2002). Professor Heng is also an EPSRC Manufacturing the Future Fellow and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
