Professor Bernard Paul Binks is an Emeritus Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Hull where he served as Professor of Physical Chemistry and led the internationally renowned Surfactant and Colloid Group for fifteen years. He earned his BSc First Class Honours Degree and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Hull completing his doctoral research on ultralow interfacial tensions and microemulsion formation in oil water surfactant systems under a BP Studentship. Following a postdoctoral position at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris he returned to the University of Hull as a lecturer eventually becoming Professor in 2002. His career has been characterized by strong industrial collaborations with significant funding from industry partners seeking to apply fundamental science to formulations in food cosmetics pharmaceutical and paint sectors.
Professor Binks pioneered the modern understanding of particle stabilized emulsions known as Pickering emulsions beginning systematic studies at the end of the 1990s when the field was relatively unexplored despite its historical origins. His groundbreaking research established the fundamental principles governing how solid particles replace traditional surfactants for emulsion stabilization demonstrating the critical role of particle wettability on both emulsion type and stability. He elucidated the two primary mechanisms of particle based emulsion stabilization bilayer formation and bridging monolayer formation which have become foundational concepts in colloid science. His work has extended beyond emulsions to include particle stabilized foams and the development of novel materials such as dry water powdered oil and liquid marbles through controlled assembly of particles at various fluid interfaces.
With over 400 publications and three edited research monographs Professor Binks has profoundly shaped the field of colloid and interface science earning recognition as one of the best known members of the international community. His research has attracted significant industrial interest leading to patented discoveries implemented in efficient industrial processes across multiple sectors. Recent accolades include the prestigious 2022 Sir Eric Rideal Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry and Society of Chemical Industry the 2023 Overbeek Gold Medal from the European Colloid and Interface Society and the 2025 Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Darsh Wasan Award. As an Emeritus Professor he continues to actively pursue research collaborations particularly in catalysis within Pickering emulsions while providing consultancy services that bridge fundamental science with practical applications in formulation chemistry.
