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SoftComp e-Newsletter No. 7 - July 2026
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Dear Members and Friends of SoftComp,
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This issue once again showcases the diversity and vitality of soft matter research across our network. The featured studies range from the rupture of thin liquid films and the behaviour of biomolecular condensates to the impact dynamics of soft materials and new sustainable polymer concepts derived from biomass side streams.
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At a time when European research infrastructures are becoming increasingly important for tackling complex scientific challenges, we are also delighted to welcome the European Spallation Source (ESS) to the SoftComp consortium. Together with the vibrant Annual Meeting in Zakopane, this highlights the strength of our collaborative European community and the opportunities that arise from bringing together expertise, facilities and people.
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We hope you enjoy this issue and wish you an inspiring and productive summer.
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Angela Wenzik & Stephan Förster
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for the SoftComp Coordination, Management and Communication Team
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Scientific News
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Thin liquid films often rupture while they are still a few microns thick—far earlier than classical theory predicts. This matters, for example, in the development of spray systems, foams or coatings. The key lies in the unavoidable imperfections of real systems—because perfectly smooth films simply do not exist. Using simulations, researchers from – amongst others – the SoftComp partner Durham University, UK, have established a deterministic failure criterion that takes these imperfections into account. Read more
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Biomolecular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biopolymers are increasingly recognised as fundamental components in biological systems, not only for intracellular signaling and functions, but also for extracellular secretory fluids of of living organisms. Adding to findings previously published by SoftComp (“Tricks from Ticks”), researchers from SoftComp partner Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands revealed how pH tunes the phase separation dynamics of a glycine-rich protein found in tick saliva and further dictates the material properties of the formed condensates. They further used this knowledge to investigate how pH influences the sequestration of curcumin in condensates which can be developed into a future condensate-based drug-delivery vehicle. Read more
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Even a familiar phenomenon like a bounce can reveal new insights into the properties of soft matter, as a new study by researchers from, among others, the SoftComp partner Durham University, UK, demonstrates. At the same time, the researchers are building a bridge between two physical theories: Wagner’s theory of impact and Hertzian contact theory. Read more
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Humins are a by-product of biomass processing that are typically regarded as low-value waste. Researchers at SoftComp partner KU Leuven in The Netherlands now demonstrate that these furan-rich materials can directly serve as building blocks for dynamic covalent polymer networks. This opens new opportunities for sustainable materials design. Furthermore, the scientists reveal an unusual thermo-mechanical response. Previous work of the same group published by SoftComp had demonstrated how chemical modification can transform humins into processable building blocks for polymer blends. Read more
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Event Reports
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The 2026 SoftComp/EUSMI Annual Meeting 2026 was held in Zakopane, Poland, from May 18 to 21, 2026. This was the first time that the meeting was hosted in Poland. With 107 participants and five invited speakers, the event provided once more a dynamic platform for scientific exchange, international networking and new collaborations in the field of soft matter. This year, particular emphasis was placed on the consistently significant field of food science. Read More
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Upcoming Events
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News & Personalia
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The SoftComp consortium welcomes a new partner: the European Spallation Source ERIC (ESS), a major European research facility currently under construction in Lund, Sweden, with its data and software centre in Copenhagen, Denmark. Once completed, the ESS will become the world’s most powerful accelerator-based neutron source, offering unique opportunities for the study of soft condensed matter. Welcome to SoftComp!
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About SoftComp
SoftComp first emerged in 2004 as a Network of Excellence – a tool developed under the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission – and continued as a self-sustaining Consortium in December 2009, when EU funding came to an end. SoftComp deals with the integration of European research, seeking to strengthen scientific and technological excellence in soft matter. In particular, it aims to establish a knowledge base for the intelligent design of functional and nanoscale soft matter composites, by overcoming the present fragmentation of this important field involved in the development of new materials at the interface of non-living and living matter, where the delicate principles of self-assembly in polymeric, surfactant and colloidal matter prevail. SoftComp has created an integrated team that is able to mobilize European potential in soft matter composite materials and thus disseminate excellence through extensive training and knowledge transfer schemes. Softcomp now consists of 34 research groups in 30 different institutions spread over 12 European countries.
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Contact
Dr. Flavio Carsughi
SoftComp Project Manager
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Forschungszentrum Jülich
JCNS Outstation
Lichtenbergstrasse 1
85748 Garching
Germany
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Phone: + 49 89 289-10703
Fax: + 49 89 289-10799
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SoftComp Newsletter Editor
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Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
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Imprint
Published by:
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
SoftComp NoE
52425 Jülich, Germany
Phone: + 49 2461 61-6048
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SoftComp Coordinator: Stephan Förster
Concept and Editing: Angela Wenzik
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Copyright of Images:
The copyright information for all images and logos shown above can be found via the ‘Read more’ links in the respective announcements.
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