Merlin Sponsors the Compaction Simulation Forum 2026 in Lisbon
Merlin is proud to be sponsoring the Compaction Simulation Forum (CSF) taking place in Lisbon from 1st – 3rd June 2026, bringing together leading experts in tablet compression, formulation science, and pharmaceutical manufacturing from across the globe.
As part of our involvement this year, we are delighted to be sponsoring the Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening. Our Senior Compaction Scientist, Charlotte Cartwright, has also been part of the conference committee and will be presenting a poster during the event.
The Compaction Simulation Forum has become one of the key international events for professionals working in tablet compression and pharmaceutical process development. The conference provides a platform for academics, researchers, and industry specialists to share knowledge, discuss emerging research, and explore the latest advances in compaction modelling and simulation.
Day 1: Predictive Science and Process Optimisation
The opening day focuses heavily on predictive science and improving process understanding. Sessions will explore topics including the impact of spray drying on downstream performance, the use of compaction simulation to reduce development risk, and approaches for predicting tablet mechanical properties in real time to support efficient scale-up.
These are key areas where Merlin supports clients by helping bridge the gap between early-stage formulation work and robust commercial manufacturing processes.
The afternoon sessions shift towards the practical realities of process development, particularly the point at which internal capability reaches its limits and outsourcing support becomes essential. Charlotte Cartwright will be co-chairing this session alongside an exceptional line-up of speakers, focusing how the right compaction simulation expertise can support process design, optimisation, and risk mitigation.
Day 2: Bridging Development and GMP Manufacturing
The second day dives deeper into how compaction science is translated into real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing. Topics throughout the day will include predictive modelling, powder behaviour, scale-up challenges, and emerging innovations shaping the future of tablet production.
A major theme throughout the morning sessions is scale-up, specifically how manufacturers can confidently move from compaction simulation studies to industrial tablet presses and GMP production environments.
At Merlin, we see first-hand how critical this transition can be. Bridging the gap between laboratory insight and commercial manufacturing is rarely straightforward, but robust data and material understanding make the process significantly more predictable and efficient.
Afternoon discussion will focus on how understanding material properties early in development, including tabletability, compactability, and powder flow behaviour, can dramatically reduce risk during scale-up and commercial manufacture.
