James Watt statue, Heriot-Watt University campus
9th Annual Conference on Porous Media

InterPore
UK Chapter

Advancing porous media science across energy, environment, and materials

Date 1–2 September 2026
Venue Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh
Submit Abstract Registration Info

About the Conference

A platform for interdisciplinary collaboration

We invite researchers from the UK InterPore community to share theoretical, computational, and experimental advances in understanding complex processes in porous systems.

The UK InterPore Chapter Conference offers a welcoming forum to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore challenges across porous media science and engineering. Applications span energy transition, environmental sustainability, advanced materials, biological and soft systems, engineering, and data-driven modelling.

Contributions that bridge multiple themes, communities, and application domains are especially encouraged. We warmly welcome early-career researchers to take part through oral presentations, poster sessions, and discussions.

Abstract Submission Opens

18 May 2026

Abstracts are welcome across all seven conference themes. The submission deadline is 27 June 2026.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 18 July 2026. Registration opens 18 May 2026 and closes 8 August 2026.


Submit Your Abstract →

Conference Format

The programme will include:

Special Session Invited Talks Poster Session Oral Presentations

Key Dates

Mark your calendar

Abstract Submission Opens
18 May 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline
27 June 2026
Abstract Acceptance Notification
18 July 2026
Registration Deadline
8 August 2026

Conference Themes

Research areas & topics

Energy Transition & Geoenergy
CO₂ and hydrogen storage, geothermal, caprock integrity, monitoring and coupled THMC processes
Multiphase Phenomena
Capillarity, wettability, multiphase flow, instabilities, displacement regimes
Reactive & Environmental Systems
PFAS and emerging contaminants, biochar, remediation, soil–plant systems, reactive transport
Digital & Data-Driven Modelling
Digital rock physics, µCT and 4D imaging, image-based modelling, machine learning, surrogate models
Engineering & Manufacturing
Porous electrodes, electrochemical systems, fuel cells, structure–property performance
Biological & Soft Systems
Bio-inspired porous materials, microneedles, hydrogels, tissue scaffolds
Uncertainty & Decision Support
Ensemble forecasting, uncertainty quantification, Bayesian modelling, data assimilation, risk-informed decision making
Interdisciplinary contributions spanning multiple themes are encouraged.

Special Event

Distinguished Lecture

Prof. Lyesse Laloui
Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lecturer
Prof. Lyesse Laloui
EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
"Carbon dioxide injection into deep aquifers: a geomechanical perspective"
Check the abstract →
The keynote will be delivered online as an interactive session, with dedicated time for live questions
and discussion with the in-person audience.

Programme

Invited Speakers & Proceedings

Conference programme
Full programme coming soon
Book of abstracts
Book of abstracts coming soon
Invited speakers

Details coming soon

We are currently finalising the list of invited speakers for the conference. Further details will be announced here in due course.

Registration

Conference fees

Students
£60
Academic & Research Professionals
£75
Non-Academic Professionals
£85

The conference fee includes lunch on both days, a drinks reception during the poster session, tea/coffee during breaks, and conference proceedings.

Registration deadline: 8 August 2026


Register Now

Registration Cancellation & Refund Policy

✓
On or before Friday, 8 August 2026

Registration fees are fully refundable.

✕
After Friday, 8 August 2026

Registration fees are non-refundable.

Venue

Heriot-Watt University

📍
AddressHeriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
📍
Conference LocationEdinburgh Business School, Lumsden Suite (main conference) & The Lyell Centre, Howff (evening poster session & reception)
✈️
Getting ThereFrom Edinburgh Airport, the quickest option is usually by taxi or Uber, taking around 10 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, take the tram or airport bus towards Haymarket, then change to a Lothian Buses service towards the campus. Services 25, 34 and 35 all serve Heriot-Watt University, with service 25 running directly from Haymarket Station. From Edinburgh Waverley Station, attendees can take service 25 directly from the Waverley Steps bus stop on Princes Street. Please allow extra time at peak periods and check live travel information before setting off using the Lothian Buses app or Transport for Edinburgh app.

Campus Info →
📍 Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University View on Google Maps

Plan Your Stay

Accommodation

On Campus

Paul Stobart Building

29 executive ensuite rooms at the heart of campus, a short walk from the main reception. Available year-round for short stays.

📧 frontdesk@hw.ac.uk  ·  📞 0131 451 3501

All Campus Accommodation →
On Campus

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West

A full-service hotel located directly on campus, offering comfortable nightly accommodation for conference attendees.

📧 reservations@courtyardedinburghwest.com  ·  📞 +44 (0)131 526 3210

Book →
Edinburgh City

Further Options

A wide range of hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs are available in Edinburgh Park, Haymarket, and the city centre, all with good transport links to Heriot-Watt University.

Local Organisers

Organising committee

About

The UK InterPore Chapter

The UK InterPore Chapter was established in 2015 to develop a medium for exchanging research ideas related to porous media across all disciplines of science and engineering.

The UK Chapter is one of the most active national chapters within InterPore. It regularly organises mini-symposiums and annual conferences to enable the porous media community to engage in research, and it is involved in the management and organisational aspects of InterPore.

The UK InterPore Chapter has hosted 8 successful annual conferences at Heriot-Watt University (2015), Loughborough University (2016), University of Warwick (2017), University of Aberdeen & TOTAL (2018), Teesside University (2019), Brunel University (2022), Manchester University (2024), and Loughborough University (2025). The 9th edition is being organised at Heriot-Watt University (2026). There were gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–21) and the global InterPore Conference at Edinburgh University (2023).

🏆
Recipient of the 2025 InterPore National Chapter Award
The UK InterPore Chapter received this recognition in 2025 for its sustained activity, strong membership, and strategic leadership within InterPore.
Visit UK InterPore Chapter →
Questions?

Contact the Organisers

For queries on abstract submissions, registration, or the programme, please don't hesitate to reach out to the organising committee.

Email the Committee

Supported by

UK InterPore Chapter The Lyell Centre Subsurface Energy Transition & Innovation Centre Heriot-Watt University

KC Lecture Abstract

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in deep geological formations is a key strategy for reducing atmospheric CO₂ emissions and mitigating climate change. However, the successful and safe implementation of CO₂ injection into deep aquifers requires a comprehensive understanding of the geomechanical and multiphase flow responses of the subsurface.

This lecture will explore the pore-scale to reservoir-scale challenges and opportunities associated with CO₂ sequestration, focusing on reservoir integrity, caprock stability, and reactive transport processes. By integrating experimental studies, numerical modelling, and field data, we will examine the complex interactions between fluid injection, pore pressure evolution, two-phase flow, and rock deformation within heterogeneous porous media.

The discussion will highlight recent advances in understanding and predicting thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes triggered by CO₂ injection. Additionally, we will explore the role of permeability evolution and wettability effects in storage security. The development and evaluation of analytical and computational modelling approaches will be presented as essential tools for reliable risk assessment and process optimization.

By providing a multiscale perspective, from microstructural effects to large-scale reservoir behaviour, this presentation aims to foster cross-disciplinary discussions and contribute to the development of robust and sustainable CCS solutions, aligning with key challenges in porous media research, geomechanics, and subsurface engineering.