The RSC PreDoc Symposium is a premier academic forum for full-time student researchers in chemistry and related disciplines. It offers a vibrant platform for next-generation scientists to present their findings, engage in meaningful dialogue, receive expert guidance and enhance their visibility within the scientific community. As a key part of RSC FIRST 2026: AI in Chemistry, the 2026 RSC PreDoc Symposium warmly invites young talents worldwide to join us on 20 November 2026.

Scientific themes for student presentations at this year’s PreDoc Symposium are the same as those of RSC FIRST 2026:

Participants will have their presentations evaluated by a distinguished panel of field-leading experts, gaining a unique opportunity to receive guidance from leaders in the chemical sciences. These established researchers and professionals will provide:

The 2026 judging panel will be announced in due course, so please stay tuned.

Outstanding presenters will be recognised with prestigious awards.

RSC Rising Star

The first-prize winner will be bestowed the title of RSC Rising Star, honouring excellent performance in the competition.

Diverse Recognitions

Beyond the top prize, the symposium offers various awards and incentives to recognise outstanding achievements.

The symposium is a dedicated platform designed for emerging student researchers. To qualify for a presentation, applicants must meet the following criteria:

To apply for a presentation, candidates are required to submit an abstract in advance. As the RSC PreDoc Symposium is exclusively tailored for student researchers, only eligible student submissions will be considered. The Scientific Committee will conduct a preliminary screening and notify applicants of the results shortly after the submission deadline.

Please upload your abstract via your Conference Personal Dashboard (choose "RSC PreDoc Symposium" as your presentation type):