Overview

The Particle Technology Special Interest Group awards three prizes each year to the early career researchers that deliver the most engaging presentations on high quality research in a dedicated conference session. 

The 2025 winners, recognised at the International Particle Technology Forum, 30 September 2025, will present their work in this webinar.

Jack Grogan, Ishwari Wale and Iswar Raja Vasugi will talk about mixing optimisation in a resonant acoustic mixer, predicting and understanding punch sticking in continuous direct compression, and formulation and characterisation of hydrocortisone mini-tablets for chronic inflammatory diseases, respectively.

Speakers

Jack Grogan, PhD Student, University of Birmingham

Jack completed a Master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Birmingham, where he spent his summers gaining experience across both industry and research roles.

Since graduating in 2024, he has been a PhD researcher at the University of Birmingham, focusing on using numerical modelling to investigate the fundamental mechanisms underpinning resonant acoustic mixing. His recent work has examined how changes in mixing vessel material influence performance and internal dynamics within resonant acoustic mixers.

In recognition of this research, he was awarded the Early Career Researcher of the Year award at the International Particle Technology Forum.

Ishwari Wale, PhD Student, University of Strathclyde

Ishwari is a PhD researcher in pharmaceutical materials and science at the University of Strathclyde, supported by a prestigious fully funded UKRI studentship in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company.

Her academic background includes a master's degree in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing from the University of Strathclyde and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from KVV, India, providing her with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. Her research focuses on punch sticking in direct compression, a critical and complex challenge in tablet manufacturing, to develop practical, science-driven workflows for industry.

Alongside her PhD, she works as a powder technician at CMAC, a world-leading medicines manufacturing research hub, supporting experimental studies and data collection across diverse pharmaceutical projects, contributing to innovations in medicines manufacturing.

Iswar Raja Vasugi, Masters research student, Aston University

Iswar holds a doctor of pharmacy degree from India and an MSc in drug delivery from Aston University, UK. His academic and research background spans clinical endocrinology and advanced formulation science, with particular emphasis on drug delivery, characterisation and solid dosage form development. His recent work involved the successful formulation of hydrocortisone mini-tablets for chronic inflammatory conditions, focusing on particle design, compressibility, and translational applicability.

Iswar has presented around seven research works nationally and internationally and is a professional member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research interests centre on advancing patient-focused pharmaceutical technologies through interdisciplinary particle and formulation science.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Particle Technology Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

12:00–13:00 BST.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.